I've grown several box store tall type dahlias (and a couple online purchased) and used them for cutting. I had a 30-foot row, but really didn't have a good winter storage area. I maintained them for 3 years through the winter outdoors in the row under a cover of about a foot of straw. Then, the one winter that I didn't get the row covered and we got an extra cold winter and all froze out. Thus, I haven't grown any dahlias for the last couple years.
I grow some of the short ones in containers, but never have grown the tall cutting type in containers.
Anyone grow the tall ones in containers? What would be the suggested size container for a dahlia tuber?
I have found that these referenced type dahlias do best with plenty of water and some extra fertilizer. Out in the cutting garden, this happens very seldom. I felt I could care for them better closer to the house in large containers. If you've had such experience, I hope you will please.
I've also heard that the Karma line is good for cutting.
Anyone have their favorites for cutting? I personally found I like either totally upfacing or slightly upfacing dahlia flowers for cutting. I've grown a couple varieties that the flowers seemed to be completely outfacing (like perpendicular to the ground), or even slightly downfacing, and I didn't like working with those two types in my bouquets. It's always nice to get varieties that have plenty of good stem length as well.
I would like to get a few again this spring. Thanks for any input.
