I divide yearly and may try a few two to a hole but unsure of this. I do use my finished compost In the dahlia bed last years mix was fall leaves, goat poo, chicken manure, paper, banana and orange peels, coffee grounds, yard waste, grass clippings and skunky beer. I plan to use what has wintered over this round when I plant and I make sure to fertilize and water off a soaker hose. I have been worried about the length of morning light in the afternoon that while are is flooded in light.
I did have success at the grocery. I got two boxes of the Garden State Bulb company as they were 2/$5 and who can turn down dahlias waiting to hop in ones cart:
Mrs. Eileen - tangerine dinner plate
Crazy Love: not a color I have as I'm not partial to lavender-ish but thought it might be a nice one to work w blending of my other colors.
Who knows if a)they'll bloom b) are who they say they are but you know what? It's spring and grabbing a box locally is always fun. I was able to open each and both look and smell healthy and have white hairy roots going. I have not taken them out yet as I'm waiting for the clinic to call back and tell me they can't accommodate my schedule. I'm an hour away but I'm sure the people who live 10 mins away are taking the prime times as that's how it goes when you live in a podunk and have to receive services in the city. Sorry I'm grumbly. Back to dahlias.
So I will get them out of their packages soon for a good once over.
Dan: I think that's great you had some jump in your cart too. How are your refrigerator bunch doing?
Val: horse poop is good, make sure it's mellowed and they didn't eat something that had been sprayed or treated. Just beware you might end up with a bunch of weed seed - that's how I think I ended up w what we thought was nightshade. Or maybe it was here all along and just took opportunity to grow.
I'm off the phone should ring here shortly!