Grow Your Own Magazine

i have just dug up a dahlia as i want to move it. what do i have to do to it now, replant, cut back or keep the bulbs for next year please help.

Hi - Mine are in full flower now, but before the first frosts I'll cut them right back to the ground, lift them and store them inside wrapped in newspaper or covered in a bit of compost, ready to pot up or plant out next spring. Being near me in Bristol, you might get away with leaving them in the ground over the winter, but then again, the slugs always nip off the first shoots. As you want to move it, I'd dig it and store now. I'm a bit surprised you're not enjoying the flowers now though !

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thank you for the info. we had to move it as we are changing a few things in the garden, but it has flowered for ages this summer

Some recommend burying them under a privet hedge for the winter where it's usually nice and dry!

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Hi
I'm moving from France to Oxford on Saturday and don't want to leave my beautiful dahlias behind! They are in full bloom at the moment but will I kill them if I dig them up now and keep moist in a compost bag, before planting again 24 hours later?
I'd be grateful for ANY advice! Thanks

Schmeeb, sounds like you've nothing to lose by trying. They've got 2 choices, if you take them with you.

BTW. you can root dahlias really easily from leaf/stem cuttings, just like fuchsias.

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Not as nice and dry as my greenhouse Snadger

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