I checked mine once in January of 2013 and then went with your philosophy of what will be, will be. Only a few had rotted by the time I got to plant them so it wasn't any major loss.

I'm impressed by anyone who can locate the eyes well enough to do the Saran wrap method. I keep the whole clump and end up digging huge holes each June. I've seen photos of the eyes, read descriptions that they look like potato eyes, and yet can't see them.

None of the work involved keeps me from looking for more. It's an occupational hazard!

I'm still just leaving mine in their clay pots....

Do you divide them as you plant them?

I only just this year figured out the whole "eyes" thing. I still need to find a good strong sharp knife to do a better job dividing in the future. I did leave some clumps as is since they were small, except I did cut off the mother.

In the past I just planted the whole large clump year after year, except for what broke off. It will be interesting to see what happens next summer.

jvdubb said:I only just this year figured out the whole "eyes" thing. .

You GO, gardener! And keep us posted!

pirl said:I checked mine once in January of 2013 and then went with your philosophy of what will be, will be. Only a few had rotted by the time I got to plant them so it wasn't any major loss.

I'm impressed by anyone who can locate the eyes well enough to do the Saran wrap method. I keep the whole clump and end up digging huge holes each June. I've seen photos of the eyes, read descriptions that they look like potato eyes, and yet can't see them.

None of the work involved keeps me from looking for more. It's an occupational hazard!

After the first hard frost, I cut the tops of the Dahlia plants off and wait 2 weeks. This gives the “eyes” a chance to pop up (sometimes).

If you are not that patient, try Method #2: just make your best guess on where the “eyes” will be:)

Also, some Dahlias do not show “eyes” when you think they should. This unpredictability kind of reminds me of my children:)

Hi Frank,

I noted this comment when you made it before and I am following the advice. I also looked at your step by step process on Flickr so thanks for that.

Keep well,

Peter

The few I had rotted because I did not dig them up. Then I bought a few more in spring but they dried up like a prune because they were still in the refrigerator. Duh! I guess I had too many daylilies to plant.
I am taking notes for next year, I will be getting new ones!!

There's no problem waiting until mid to late May if you want to order dahlias since that's when many places have their big sales. The choice ones are usually gone by then but there are still so many available.

Most are selling out now and I just noticed I did not submit my order. Shew, thanks for posting. Most of what I wanted are still there, I love, love cactus dahlia but I ordered a few regular ones because of the colors. I am trying to keep the color echoes in mind. Hopefully it will not look like a circus this year.

Here is one that I am getting and I have a dark pink to go with it.

Here is another one.

And these.

>> I still need to find a good strong sharp knife to do a better job dividing in the future.

Goodwill and Salvation Army and Value Village usually have a box or bin of used knives. Prices from 69 cents to $3-4. Once sharpened, a used French chef's knife is as good as new.

(If you smooth the corners of the edges on the back, or paint the back with some nail polish or urethane, it's easier on the palm of your hand when you press down on the back.)

If you can find a thin Chinese cleaver, and something wooden and heavy to whack it with, you can have a precision-guided cleaver!

Good ideas Rick

I would have never thought of nail polish! How many bottles are needed to create a proper cushion for the hands?

RickCorey said:>> I still need to find a good strong sharp knife to do a better job dividing in the future.

Goodwill and Salvation Army and Value Village usually have a box or bin of used knives. Prices from 69 cents to $3-4. Once sharpened, a used French chef's knife is as good as new.

(If you smooth the corners of the edges on the back, or paint the back with some nail polish or urethane, it's easier on the palm of your hand when you press down on the back.)

If you can find a thin Chinese cleaver, and something wooden and heavy to whack it with, you can have a precision-guided cleaver!

Rick, sometimes you rock!!!!!!!!!

Groovy avatar, David.

RickCorey said:>> I still need to find a good strong sharp knife to do a better job dividing in the future.

Goodwill and Salvation Army and Value Village usually have a box or bin of used knives. Prices from 69 cents to $3-4. Once sharpened, a used French chef's knife is as good as new.

(If you smooth the corners of the edges on the back, or paint the back with some nail polish or urethane, it's easier on the palm of your hand when you press down on the back.)

If you can find a thin Chinese cleaver, and something wooden and heavy to whack it with, you can have a precision-guided cleaver!

The last time I did some hostas I had a serrated knife and just went back and forth a couple of times. You can wear yourself out doing that whack, whack thing. There is a lady on the hosta forum that uses a spade to divide the plant before she digs it up, that way you could just dig up half if you wish.
If you prefer to dig it up first you can just lay it on the ground take the spade and go wham, wham!

crittergarden said:Groovy avatar, David.