I do separate my dahlia tuber before storing them . Dividing the Tuber not only helps in maintaining the wellness of the works but also makes it sluttish to finagle and store them during the torpid period .
Dividing the tubers is an optional step , and you may pick out to do it in the spring when you are quick to set them . However , I prefer to divide them before lay in because it allows me to inspect each genus Tuber for any signs of damage or disease . This manner , I can throw away any unhealthful tubers and ensure that I only store the proficient ones .
To divide the tubers , I start by carefully inspecting each clump and await for natural divisions or “ eyes ” on the tubers . These optic are the small bud - corresponding growths that will finally sprout into new shoots when the Tuber are planted . I use a neat , sharp knife or pruners to cut the clump into smaller sections , ensure that each section has at least one eye and a healthy dower of the tuber .
When separate the tubers , I ensure to sterilize my tools between each cutting to keep the spread of any potential diseases . I also seek to be easy and avoid damage the tubers as much as possible .
Once the tuber are divided , I rent them air wry for a day or two to allow any cut surfaces to callus over and melt off the risk of infection of rot during store . After dry out , I dust the cut aerofoil with a fungicide powder to further protect them .
I then place the divided tuber in a well - give vent container for storage . Some gardener prefer to use paper traveling bag , cardboard boxes , or mesh topology bags for warehousing . Personally , I chance that using mesh bags set aside for honest air circulation and helps prevent wet buildup , reducing the endangerment of rotting . I label each bag with the variety and colouring material of the Dahlia pinnata to make it easier to identify them after .
When it comes to entrepot conditions , dahlias prefer a coolheaded , juiceless , and dark environment . Ideally , the temperature should be around 40 - 50 degree Fahrenheit ( 4 - 10 degree Celsius ) , with a humidness point of around 50 - 60 % . I salt away my Dahlia pinnata tubers in a cool basement or service department where these conditions can be asseverate .
Throughout the warehousing period , I regularly inspect my tubers for any signs of rotting or disease . If I note any issues , I remove the affected genus Tuber immediately to prevent the spread to levelheaded ones .
In the spring , when it ’s time to plant the Dahlia pinnata tuber , I take them out of storage and allow them to warm up up and start sprouting in a slightly warm and brilliant location . Once the hazard of frost has passed , I implant them in well - fix soil and provide them with the necessary caution and attention to ensure healthy growth and beautiful salad days .
divide Dahlia pinnata tubers before storing is a personal preference , but I come up it good for the overall health and management of the plants . It allows me to assess the Tuber ’ condition , discard any insalubrious single , and see that I have the good tubers for embed in the spring .
Caroline Bates
