Dahlia Package 2

Dahlia tubers are divided to propagate the plant and promote its vitality. Division also facilitates storage and transport. For a dahlia section to germinate, it must have three essential components: a storage organ, a strong neck, and an eye. We ensure that each section possesses these characteristics. To protect the sections from bacteria and fungi, the cut surfaces are dusted with cinnamon as a natural disinfectant. Neither the size of the section nor that of the mother tuber influences the future vigor and size of the dahlia plant.

Pure dahlia propagation can only be achieved by dividing the tubers or by cuttings. Only by using a part of the mother tuber can a new plant with identical characteristics be created.
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For division, you can use pointed harvesting scissors or a sharp knife. The blades should be sterile and disinfected each time you change varieties to prevent disease transmission.

Ideally, you should divide the dahlia tubers after their winter dormancy in spring. When dividing, make sure each piece has an eye, a firm neck, and a storage organ. If these characteristics are not fully preserved, the dahlia will not develop. You can use pointed harvesting scissors or a sharp knife for division. The blades should be sterile and disinfected each time you change varieties to prevent the transmission of disease. After division, you can disinfect the cut surfaces with a little cinnamon and let the sections dry for 2-3 days in a cool, dry place. You can then pot them in growing medium. The soil should always be kept only slightly moist. If it is too wet, the tubers can rot.

Dahlia seeds are not varietal. Pollination by bees and other insects allows different dahlia varieties to be mixed, resulting in entirely new varieties.

Dahlias are perennial but not winter hardy. Therefore, the tubers should be removed from the ground for overwintering. The first frost initiates the plants' dormant period, and the dahlias should then remain in the ground for another 10-14 days to ripen and be well prepared for storage. Cut back the brown and dead stems to about 15 centimeters and, in dry weather, carefully lift the tubers with a digging fork. Gently shake off the soil and allow the tubers to dry for a few days in a well-ventilated, frost-free location. Remember to mark the tubers so you can distinguish between the varieties next year. After a short drying period, you can generously cut away any dead or damaged parts and store the tubers.

After the tubers have been allowed to dry in a well-ventilated, frost-free place, you've labeled them with names, and generously trimmed away any dead or damaged parts, the dahlias are ready for winter storage. They should be stored in a frost-free, cool, and dark place, such as a shed or cellar, at temperatures between 4 and 8 degrees Celsius. Place the tubers in air-permeable boxes filled with sand or sawdust and check them regularly for early signs of rot or dehydration.
The ideal humidity is around 60%. Ensure good ventilation, avoid moisture buildup, and use a hygrometer for monitoring. A stable storage environment will help keep the tubers healthy until the following spring.

Cinnamon serves as a natural disinfectant because of its powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties. It inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi that can cause disease or rot. Dusting the cut surfaces with cinnamon effectively protects dahlia tubers and promotes their health during storage and planting.

The price of dahlia tubers depends on their rarity, demand, and the effort required for propagation. Rarities, often available in limited quantities, are more difficult to propagate. Some varieties form smaller tubers or produce fewer cuttings, making propagation more time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Exclusive varieties with unusual flower shapes or unique colors can further increase the price. At Gartenzauber, the tubers are carefully cultivated and propagated entirely by hand, guaranteeing the highest quality and also contributing to the price.

It's quite possible for stored tubers to lose moisture and become shriveled. Some dahlia growers prefer to soak dry tubers in lukewarm water for 1-2 hours before planting to rehydrate them. However, before soaking, inspect the tubers carefully. Carefully remove any soft, rotten, or damaged areas with a clean knife or pruning shears to prevent potential problems from spreading.
After the water bath, the tubers can be planted directly in the soil – avoid further watering for now to prevent rot. Place the pot in a bright location at room temperature. This will allow the dahlia to sprout healthily and develop well.

Regularly removing spent flowers encourages the formation of new buds and ensures that dahlias produce more flowers. Pruning also protects the plant from diseases that can develop on dead plant parts. The more consistently you remove spent flowers, the more flowers your dahlias will produce.

To encourage dahlias to grow and bloom profusely, you can prune them during the early stages of growth. Once two to three pairs of leaves have formed, cut off the tips of the shoots. This step, also called pinching, encourages the plant to branch out, resulting in more vigorous growth, more stems, and a greater number of flowers that are ideal for cut flowers. To avoid delaying the first bloom, you can also pinch only every third shoot.