I was a first-time dahlia grower last summer. Based on what Ive now learned from all of you, i did a fairly poor job of over-wintering. So surprised to pull them out today and (I think??) find many viable-looking tubers. I just rinsed them off and am drying in preparation for dividing. I dont see any eyes. I have no idea how to divide these without destroying, so I guess it’s YouTube time. My one question: that one large clump that seems to have lots of very new/current roots or sprouts. Is that even possible?
by PNWDrifter
5 Comments
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Lots of good tubers!
I nip off the roots so they’re cleaned up a bit first. Then take a look at the area below the dried out stem. You should see a textured bit and you’ll want to look for little round spots. It took me a few years to finally feel confident in dividing big bunches.
Triple Wren has nice resources as does Floret.
I don’t think the upper right is a dahlia? Looks like a bulb? and there are some non-viable tubers there too–anything with a body/neck, but no “head” likely won’t grow.
You tube helped me too!! I see you shop where I have at swans! Looks like we have a couple of the same ones.
I was pretty successful after watching videos. Gave a lot away last year and reports back that they grew! I went on the conservative side with clipping, left them in smaller clumps, instead of single tubers; just to be safe.
You got this! I’m dividing mine this weekend or next
I often divide blindly without seeing eyes too by relying on dormant eyes. What’s important that you leave a piece of crown where the eyes could be. I try to leave about 5 x 5 millimeters (a cross-section of a pea) but I’ve seen tubers successfully sprouting with much smaller pieces of crown.
Also, don’t get upset by the amount of waste. I only get about 50% of good tubers out of a clump, the rest have broken necks and other issues.