Dahlia Question.

Hello,
When should I fertilize my dahlias and what type ratio should I use? Not one tuber I planted isn't up yet...most are 14 to 18' tall with several sets of leaves. Much to my surprise even the original is growing a stalk. I didn't lift it during the winter in 7a and wasn't expecting it to reappear. That lone dahlia is the reason I planted 12 or so this season. I used nothing but plain potting mix to plant the 05's and just need to know what and when to fertilize.

Thanks,
Linda

This message was edited May 22, 2005 7:58 AM

Linda I do not fertilize if you feel the need to do so use something that is low in nitrogen . To much nitro causes to mych foliage and you cant see the flowers nor will they forn very well because they will stay damp and not get enough sun. To much fertilizer also causes high rot of the tubers in storage. If your plants are 12 to 18 inches tall at this time of year I would say you are doing just fine. Ernie

Ernie,
Thanks for the info. I just went and back to to long dahlia thread and saw you already answered that question. Thanks for taking the time to do it again. Yours are very nice. May you havest tomatoes until the sun goes down....

Linda

SS2day your welcome and did I tell you I have a light for my hat that lets me harvest in the dark lol. No not really but I do have a chair out there and sometimes on warm nights I have dozed and relaxed there with the cat and a dog for company reflecting on the day or life in general watching the sun set. Did you know some refer to D,s as poor mans flowers because they are easy to grow, multiply, and make new ones,

Ernie, I have one of those headlights, too. At first we used it to hunt down slugs and then found it great for giving the dogs a walk in the dark. Pity the poor souls who give flowers names like the poor man's flowers. Seems like marigolds, cosmo, cleome and a lot of annuals could be classified like that. Sound more like jealousy.