When I took my stored dahlias out to prepare them for planting, several had eyes that had grown into stems as long as a foot or two. Can I cut the stems shorter, or must I plant them like that? I am not able to provide pictures.
If your dahlia tubers have already sprouted it means they are anxious to grow! Go ahead and plant them! The sprouts will continue to elongate and will grow above the soil surface in a few weeks.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/dahlia/tips-dahlia-planting.htm
For winter storage this coming fall; just keep them a bit colder!
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/dahlia/storing-dahlia-tubers.htm
For the last 3 years I continually get leaf-miner damage coming up in my dahlia garden. How can I stop the cycle, aside from removing early damaged leaves?
Hope you don’t mind that I googled this... one answer appealed to me...neem oil ideally cold pressed neem oil.
‘To apply, mix 1.5 Tbsp of neem oil with 1/2 teaspoon of non-toxic liquid soap per gallon of water and shake like crazy before and during application.
I find it tricky to get hold of neem oil in garden centres but in the UK the odd pharmacy / health shop has it. Hope this helps. Hope more knowledgeable people will answer.
I have wintered over my dahlias with success and am now planting them. I have one batch that has roots but no "eyes" or sprouts. Will these still bloom? It is one of my favorite dahlias. Lots of firm tubers and roots but no sprout.
It is still possible that they will sprout and that the eyes are just inconspicuous. There would be no harm in planting just to find out.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/dahlia/tips-dahlia-planting.htm
I ordered some dahlia bulbs and then broke my ankle just before they arrived. I have been unable to plant them until now. Is it too late may 23 to plant them in southern Iowa, which is in zone 5? If I plant them is there anything special I need to do since the growing season will be shortened? Thanks Stan Lovett Lovett1941@aol.com 828-713-0860
You can still plant them but you may not get full flowering.
You may want to put them in containers and you can extend their growing time into early autumn by moving them indoors during cold evening.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/dahlia/grow-dahlias-in-containers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/dahlia/tips-dahlia-planting.htm
When I was growing up in south-central Virginia my mother grew beautiful dahlias. She always lifted the tubers before winter and replanted them in the spring. I need the time-table for doing this in South east Michigan!
This article will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/dahlia/storing-dahlia-tubers.htm
Last year was the 2nd year after I bought them and had a full flowering dahlia with beautiful red stars. This year I have 2, and they are 1 meter high. The flower buds are black and haven't had a single flower yet. What's wrong with them and what can I do?
This is very common with phosphorous and potassium deficiencies. Even more so in container, but it can happen in soil, too, if they aren't fertilized every year. This article will give you more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/dahlia/dahlia-care-grow-dahlia-plant.htm
something is eating my dahlias. Not only the leaf but the flower as well. It especially likes the yellow one. Nothing is visible on the flower or leaf. Is there anything I can use to get rid of it.
This could be deer, rabbits, or insects. I'll include articles for ways to keep them at bay.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/deer/deer-repellents.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/keep-rabbits-out-of-gardens.htm