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Dahlias on allotment

On 19 Sep 2016 at 12:45pm Flowerpot wrote:

I have some on my allotment, new plants this year. Should I dig them or leave them in over winter??

On 19 Sep 2016 at 4:33pm Doug wrote:

Depends on where your allotment is. Paddock road can be a bit of a frost pocket and soil drying winter winds can leave plants vulnerable on the Nevill but for the most part, in our favoured part of the country, you could leave then overwinter with a generous mulch over the crowns. I cover mine with about three inches of straw and have not had any casualties for the last five years.

On 19 Sep 2016 at 4:55pm Feline wrote:

How protected ,/ exposed is your allotment? You can often get away with leaving them in if they ate in a warm, well drained spot and you mulch them well. I get away with this most years but ever so often a really hard frost gets them. If you've got the time and somewhere to store them, I'd lift them.

On 19 Sep 2016 at 6:38pm gardner wrote:

A lot will depend on how severe the winter is. If we get a nasty one, not much will save them. However, a good 6" of leaf litter or bark chippings might help.
Personally, I've always lifted mine once the tops have gone black from the first frost, store them dry and frost free them start into growth next spring.

On 20 Sep 2016 at 12:49pm flowerpot wrote:

dig it is then i think. thanks all

On 20 Sep 2016 at 6:18pm Flower power wrote:

i love dahlias and they remind me of my dad who grew them every year,he used to lift them and it did seem colder back then ,but I'm keeping mine in with a mulch on top...famous lasts words!.