Another dahlia question?

Question

When is the best time to divide them? Before storing them for the winter or just before planting them in the spring?

Answer 1

If you are going to divide a dahlia it is best done straight after lifting, knock off all the excess soil so you can examine the tubers for damage. Trim this years stems to about 3 inches and then choose to cut through the plant making sure at least one stem is on either side of where you are cutting. Use a sharp sterile blade and immediately dust the cut with a sulphur based antifungal. Store upside down until dried then plant in a container of dry compost for the winter months. Dahlias also propagate very easily from cuttings taken just after the plants start into new life in the spring, they will root in water if you give them some support.

Answer 2

You can divide them when you prepare them for storage. There is no stress because they will be dormant and the last thing you want or need when storing bulbs or rhizomes is moisture. Knock all the soil off, divide them, let them air dry in a cool dark place, and then once they are dry store them in a box or paper bag with peat moss.
Good Luck

Answer 3

Before planting would reduce the stress and help maintain moisture during winter storage.

Answer 4

The tendrils are roots, which go down. the pointy issues are buds or shoots, which go up. they have an inclination to look ineffective aside from the white/green shoots. it is terrific to get them in the floor before the shoots get too long, as they're brittle and would desire to ruin off. yet do not plant on the same time as there is any danger of a freeze, or while there remains frost in the floor. And in case you reside in a close-by with freezes, you will would desire to develop them in the fall. appreciate!