Over wintering dahlias?
Question:This year instead of putting out a bunch of money for annuals I planted my dahlias in large pots and they're doing great...wish I had thought of it a long time ago. My question is, when I over winter them in the basement can I leave them in the pots or do I have to dig them out? Any ideas?
Answers:
I do it both ways. the dahlias that are planted in the ground we dig and separate, dry thoroughly and store away in the crawl space under the kitchen. The dahlias that I have planted in large pots I just let them dry thoroughly and store away with the others but in their pots. Both grow nicely the next season. I also put my tuberous begonias to bed the same way, including those that are in window boxes and hanging planters.
Doesn't really matter, as long as they are kept cool and dry.
HOWEVER, you're doing yourself a disservice if you don't repot them after cutting the large tubers apart. Each one can grow into a new plant, quadrupling or more the number of plants you have.
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