When should I split the tubers, in the fall when I dig them up ,or in the spring before I plant them?
It would be better to do this in spring. This is when you will be able to tell what will make a good split. This article will give you more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/dahlia/dividing-dahlia-tubers.htm
I found a box of Dahlia tubers that didn't get planted this spring. They are all sprouting. What can be done with them? Save for next year or throw away? Marti
I fear that it would be a bad idea to bring them back into dormancy from here. You may want to plant them in container, and grow them indoors until spring.
Here is an article that will explain how to properly winter these: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/dahlia/storing-dahlia-tubers.htm
I recently dug up the first year dahlia tubers so they wouldn't freeze. There were several new smaller tubers that weren't attached and didn't appear to be injured by my digging. What can I do with these apparently young ones? Many thanks, Nelva Bledsoe New Bern, NC
You can store them just like you would a larger parent bulb. This article will help you: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/dahlia/storing-dahlia-tubers.htm
I was out walking and i found two enormous clumps of dahlia's that had been thrown away. This was in September of last year, being a gardener I was horrified so took them home and put them into extra large flower pots, watered them and low and behold they started to make new growth it was a little late in the season and they never made flowers so after a bad frost I brought them indoors and let them dry out now I want to split them but don't know where to begin as the are such a mass. I know you should discard the mother tuber and any rotten ones but if I just start pulling them apart I may cause even more damage is there an easy way . Should I let them start to make growth then separate or should I do some pulling now to get rid of the old dirt and make it easier for later. I am hoping to bring something back to life. These root balls really are a mess and a mass. Irene
It's best to wait until you see some "eyes" growing so you can determine how to divide the clump, as described in this article:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/dahlia/dividing-dahlia-tubers.htm
Each piece should have one or two eyes after you separate them. Any that are rotten or that don't have eyes should be discarded. It might be hard to determine which is the mother tuber, so don't worry about discarding that.
I grew a dahlia(Jescott Julie) last year for the first time and adored it! We have heavy clay soil so duly lifted it,cleaned and hung it upside down in a string bag in the kitchen to dry. However then I er..accidentally totally forgot about it and it is still there. I can't really tell if it is 'too' wrinkly or not and was wondering what I can do to test if I've killed it or if it will grow again this year? If the former I need to buy another tuber but as we have a teeny garden in the north of England I haven't really space for 2 any comments gratefully received Lesley Edwards
If it is time to pot up the tuber, soak it in water overnight first. Wrinkles are less of a problem than rot which would be easily identifiable. If it is too early to pot up, place the tuber in peat moss (I use a shoe box; don't use plastic) Spritz the peat lightly - just a hint of moisture. Tuck the box away where it is cool and dry.
Here is a good deal of detail on dahlia care: https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-store-dahlia-tubers-for-winter-2132882
what are a few excellent brand name fertilizers for Dahlias? What natural fertilizer compost is best for dahlias knowing it should be low in nitrogen and I think potassium from what i have read?
Potassium and phosphorus support roots and flowers. Most soils have enough phosphorus naturally but if you haven't had yours tested, I'd go with a fertilizer with some nitrogen and phosphorus but more potassium. Potassium is the last number in NPK listing. From the plant's point of view, NPK is NPK whether it comes from a factory as granules or organic compost. Look for 5-10-10 or similar. Compost improves soil structure and provides some micronutrients. More on dahlia fertilizer here: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/dahlia/how-to-fertilize-dahlias.htm
When Can I plant my dahlia bulbs I believe I am in zone 7 greensboro NC
Dahlias do not like cold soil and they are sensitive to frost. Like tomatoes, putting them out before soil temp. reaches 60 F. isn't recommended. Tubers will not sprout in cold soil and run the risk of rotting. Knowing your zone doesn't tell me your last frost date but you can easily look that up online using your zip code. Your state's cooperative extension service is a good source for information about gardening in your region.