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  • #1

    Canna/Dahlia on allotment

    Hi All,
    Not sure if this is a allotment or a flower mill question.

    I got some Canna tubers very cheap this weekend and have some dahlias too and was planning on planting the Cannas and half of the Dahlias on my allotment and rest of Dahlias in pots in my garden. Do Cannas and Dahlias have to be lifted in winter. I live in Reading. Will it be ok if I cover the bed with black plastic to protect from the cold/frost? Are Cannas better grown in pots on on the ground?
    cheers Reks
    Tags: canna, dahlia
  • #2
    I have managed to keep dahlias OK in the borders over winter (when too lazy to lift) but you'd only really manage it in a mild winter with protection. Cannas are definitely too tender. They grow well in pots or borders though I find it best to start them in pots to avoid the slugs getting them when they're first coming through.

    Some of us live in the past, always talking about back then. Some of us live in the future, always planning what we are going to do. And, then there are those, who neither look behind or ahead, but just enjoy the moment of right now.

    Which one are you and is it how you want to be?

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    • #3
      I know for a fact there are a few gardens in Reading where Cannas are left in the ground over winter and come back year after year.

      I have Cannas coming through now that survived last winter in the ground, although I did lose some along with a couple of Dahlias. The advantage of lifting them in the autumn is that you can ensure their survival and get them started earlier in the spring, therefore extending the season and capitalising on improved flowering.

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      • #4
        Originally posted by Reks View Post
        Will it be ok if I cover the bed with black plastic to protect from the cold/frost?
        I definitely wouldn't use plastic, as it encourages slugs and too much damp around the tubers.
        A mound of bracken/straw or something would be better.
        All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

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        • #5
          Thank U all for the responses, been very useful. I have tried lifting and storing dahlias but maybe I am doing something wrong as my dahlia goes all shrivelled up. I will plant the canna in pots and then into the allotment. I will try to leave dahlias in the ground this year as even after lifting I loose them
          cheers Reks

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          • #6
            I overwinter my dahlias in 'just' damp compost to stop them drying out. If you have any old compost from growing tomatoes/peppers etc in pots, this is a good use for it. They usually start shooting when spring comes, then I pot them up as i've got a greenhouse, so they have a head start when I plant them out after the frosts are passed. You can also use the shoots for taking cuttings, though I haven't got room to grow any more, so I don't bother.
            I could not live without a garden, it is my place to unwind and recover, to marvel at the power of all growing things, even weeds!
            Now a little Shrinking Violet.

            http://potagerplot.blogspot.com/

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            • #7
              Originally posted by BarleySugar View Post
              I overwinter my dahlias in 'just' damp compost to stop them drying out. If you have any old compost from growing tomatoes/peppers etc in pots, this is a good use for it. They usually start shooting when spring comes, then I pot them up as i've got a greenhouse, so they have a head start when I plant them out after the frosts are passed. You can also use the shoots for taking cuttings, though I haven't got room to grow any more, so I don't bother.
              Good idea!, thats whats casing them to go all dry I guess. Thanks a lot.
              cheers Reks

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