when to plant Dahlias in container?

Hi,
I'm in Zone 4, I think. (Some maps seem to put me in Zone 5.) I bought some Dahlia bulbs that I want to put in a container. The instructions say to plant in April-June in my zone, but then it also says to "plant as early in Spring as soil is workable - usually 2 to 4 weeks after the last frost date." The soil is workable now, but a lot of people here wait to plant annuals until the end of May, and, of course, a container plant is more vulnerable to cold. The bulbs are already sprouting, even have some dark leaves right in the bag.

Should I plant now and cover at night?

Thanks for any advice, even if it's just that putting Dahlias in a container wouldn't work, LOL.

Harriet, Endwell, NY

If I was in your shoes, I'd try to pot them up right away in pots that can be moved in and out of your house easily. I'd put the pots out during the day on nice days and take them inside every night until the risk of frost is gone. Perhaps if you could provide good frost protection it would be okay to plant right out. I never plant mine out this early though in Zone 5... usually at the end of May or early June.

I have in my notes that dahlia tubers shouldn't be planted until the top 6" of soil is at least 50 degrees F, but I've read that many people wait until the soil is at least 60 degrees F or more.

I planted my dahlias already in containers, and they are about 2-3 inches high. Good luck! What type of dihilas?

Thanks to you both for responding. These are in a package from Lowe's, and are single mixed colors, it doesn't give a variety.

The pot I want to use is 12" by 12" ID. We've had frost warnings most nights lately, so I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving them out without protection.

I'm actually doing this for an elderly woman who wouldn't be able to move the pot, so it means traveling to her place every evening, or starting the pot at my house, where finding a place to put it at night that's safe from my cats is difficult.

How about building a wire cage over the top and covering it with a blanket at night?

Thanks, Harriet

I was looking up planting information for Dahlias on Old House Gardens website (www.oldhousegardens.com). It states not to plant them outside until danger of frost is past (just like you would with tomatoes). It states you can start them 4-6 weeks early in pots for a longer season of bloom, but to make sure they're inside on nights with potential frost.

Perhaps you could start them now at your house and keep them there until around Memorial Day (your safe time for planting), On the few nights when there is frost potential, bring the pot inside and put it in a closet and close the door. That should keep the cats away from it. Take the growing Dahlias to your friend Memorial Day weekend and she'll be very happy.

Jon

Thank you, Jon, you've solved my problem!
My first floor is all open, except for the closets, but I never thought of using them; probably just because they're dark, which is dumb, since the plants would only be there at night, anyway. :o) ...Harriet

You're welcome Harriet. Just was doing some creative thinking in my head and felt the same way about the darkness, in the closet, not being a problem. My parents are from Endicott, NY and I was born there. We moved to Ithaca when I was 5 years old, and I moved to Florida in 1990 after finishing college. Still have many relatives in Endicott.

Hi, Jon;
So you know my exact climate conditions!
I love Ithaca. If I were younger, I would try to move there. ...Harriet

Hi Harriet

Oh yes, I know your climate very well. Most things have to wait until Memorial Day before planting outside, except for a few things like pansies. Yes, Ithaca is a beautiful town with a nice setting. I will be heading up to Ithaca on Saturday morning to visit mom and dad for 10 days/to help out in the yard. My parents met at Union Endicott High School and have been married for 52 years. We lived on Columbia Drive in Endwell and many of my relatives lived/live on Odell Ave in Endicott.

Jon