How to Separate Dahlia Bulbs
Dahlias are tender perennials with large flowers that color the garden every year. Every winter, dahlia bulbs must be dug from the the ground and stored for the coming spring. When digging the bulbs, it also is a good time to divide them so you will have more to plant in the spring. Dahlias bloom in every color of the rainbow except blue. Dahlias come in many forms and sizes for any landscape garden. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Remove all but 2 inches of the plant's stem when the growing season ends.
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2
Dig the bulbs out of the ground carefully with a garden fork. Wash all the dirt or soil off of the bulbs with water.
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3
Examine the bulb for tubers to locate their "eyes," which are the growing points of the dahlia that generally are found at the top of the tuber. The dahlia must have at least one "eye" per tuber to sprout. Check that the eyes are directly connected to the stem.
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4
Cut the tuber from the rest of the plant with a sharp knife. Make sure each tuber has part of the stem attached. Cut the stem into thirds if the dahlia has three tubers and each one has an eye.
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5
Dip the cut portion of the dahlia tuber into fungicide powder to prevent fungus and rot.
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6
Lay the tubers on a screen. Allow them to thoroughly air dry before preparing them for winter storage.
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Wrap tubers separately in a sheet of newspaper. Place the wrapped tubers in a cool, dry, dark place through the winter.
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Tips & Warnings
Check the tubers through the winter to make sure they are not shriveling and drying. If they are, sprinkle some water on them.
Sterilize your cutting knife before and after cutting the tubers. Disinfect the blade with rubbing alcohol.
References
- Photo Credit dahlia image by leleuf62 from Fotolia.com
