Dahlia Enthusiasts: Fall Tips for Overwintering Your Blooms
Fall is an exciting time for gardeners, especially those who love dahlias. Chelsea McLean, a local horticulturist, shares her enthusiasm for these vibrant late-summer blooms and offers tips for overwintering them.
Dahlias are a diverse genus with 42 species and over 57,000 registered cultivars. They come in various forms and colors, making them a standout in any garden. The Gardens on Spring Creek, for instance, is famous for its dahlia displays during late summer.
To preserve these beauties for future seasons, Chelsea recommends selecting healthy plants and digging up their tubers after the first destroying frost. Clean the tubers and store them properly. Regular monitoring during winter is crucial to prevent them from shriveling, rotting, or sprouting prematurely. The ideal storage conditions involve a temperature between 40 and 45 degrees, proper humidity, and a suitable medium such as coarse vermiculite or newspaper.
In spring, move the tubers to a warmer spot to encourage new growth. Pot them up or plant them directly into the ground once promising shoots appear. With successful overwintering, you can expand your home collection and even earn recognition as 'Neighbor of the Year'.
With over 56,999 cultivars to try, as mentioned in winter catalogues, the possibilities for dahlia lovers are endless. By following Chelsea's tips, you can successfully overwinter these stunning flowers and enjoy their vibrant blooms year after year.
