Growing dahlias from seed.

A._Badger

You could always eat the tubers of the ones you don't like. It is, apparently a trick of history that we eat potatoes in the West - dahlias were a rival for a while.

andygb

A._Badger wrote: »

You could always eat the tubers of the ones you don't like. It is, apparently a trick of history that we eat potatoes in the West - dahlias were a rival for a while.

I think I will stick to Desiree or Maris Pipers for the time being:D

andygb

Just a quick update on the dahlia seedlings.
I transferred 50 healthy looking seedlings to 3" pots last Friday, and already the growth is looking quite good. I am not overwatering them, just making sure that the compost is moist. I am also wondering whether I should put a fine layer of vermiculite around them.
The next stage is when they have grown three sets of leaves, because I have been told that is the time to pinch out the top to encourage a good, bushy growth, so any advice from you keen gardeners would be appreciated.
I was going to take some pictures, but my OH logged out of my Flickr account (to get into her account which she has not used for two years!!!), and I cannot remember my password to log in again.

Farway

Because the seedlings you have are of unknown type nipping out may, or may not, be required

Some naturally dwarf ones just bush regardless

Why not experiment? Nip some and leave some

Dahlias are fairly tough, and unless you you are after huge dinner plate flowers, a bit of nipping out will do no harm

andygb

Farway wrote: »

Because the seedlings you have are of unknown type nipping out may, or may not, be required

Some naturally dwarf ones just bush regardless

Why not experiment? Nip some and leave some

Dahlias are fairly tough, and unless you you are after huge dinner plate flowers, a bit of nipping out will do no harm

I may well nip out the little ones and see what happens.
I am now down to 49 due to a slug attack in the night - despite slug pellets all around:(