New and Unread Tree-Mails
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(Zone 6a)  signet Apr 12, 2018 8:44 AM CST |
| Hi all, I am new to Dahlias ( just last season) and I potted up some bulbs I bought on discount. Now 1/2 of the pots did nothing ......and I do mean nothing. The bulbs seemed to disappear in the pots . However 2 struggled along and I ultimately planted them in a single pot. All I got was foliage but come fall I knew if I wanted to keep them I needed to either dig up and store or keep in pot and try to keep them growing . So I did the latter and the pot is sitting in the middle of my kitchen table so it can get lots of light at least some bright light. The plant has continued to grow ( somewhat leggy of course) and I have taken cuttings to trim the plant back to a more reasonable size for sitting on the table. Here is the "I didnt think it was possible" part. I took those cuttings and just plunked them in a glass of water on the window sill for the heck of it . Any greenery this time of year is welcome in my house . That was about 3 weeks ago. The cuttings are rooting ?????????!!!!!!! How is this possible if the plant comes from a bulb? My question is this . If I pot them up at some point will they continue to grow ? create their own bulb ? Any and all answers would be very much appreciated.    |
Name: Geof NW Wisconsin (Zone 4b)      mandolls Apr 12, 2018 8:51 AM CST |
| Yep - it is common to take cuttings from dahlias. In Europe that is how everyone grows them. They store the whole clumps over winter, then as they begin to develop sprouts in the early spring they take cuttings, root them up and plant them out. They will develop small tubers over the growing season, which can then be used to start the cycle again. |
Name: Frank Richards Clinton, Michigan    frankrichards16 Apr 14, 2018 12:13 PM CST |
| I agree with Geof. So the answer to your question is yes & yes:) dahlias are tubers rather than bulbs, so that probably makes a difference. when it comes to true bulbs, like a tulip... not sure you could start a plant from a cutting. Or maybe you could but it's not done because the bulb generates all those little side bulbs for reproduction. |
(Zone 6a) signet Apr 15, 2018 10:36 AM CST |
| Well, I am gobsmacked ! I had no idea it could be as simple as taking cuttings of branches. I had of course known about cutting tubers with eyes but the other .......had no clue. I will be buying my self some more dahlias this spring for sure . What a great plant. I am sure there is more to discover about these plants that are so gorgeous and now I know , so prolific . Thanks for your input Geof and Frank !!!! |
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