Spring was already in full swing, the temperatures were pleasant and the dahlia tubers from the cellar were ready to move into the bed. My fingers tingled. But if you plant the tubers too early, you run a high risk
Why is it disadvantageous to plant dahlias too early?
Dahlias planted too early can freeze due tolate frosts. Even temperatures of around 5 °C can damage the fresh shoots. It is therefore advisable not to plant dahlias until May. The tubers can tolerate some frost as they are protected by the soil.
When is it too early to plant dahlias?
Before April it is definitely too early to plant dahlias. The tubers should not be planted outdoors until April. Dahlias that have come early, however, should wait until May. Otherwise there is a risk that the shoots will freeze due to late frost. The tubers are temporarily protected from frost because they are underground. They only freeze to death when the ground freezes.
What happens if dahlias are planted too early?
If dahlia tubers are planted but it is still frosty outside and the weather is unstable, they canfreeze This also applies to dahlias that are already in pots and in April be planted out. They are very sensitive to frost. That's why you should wait before planting the heat-loving plant, which comes from Mexico, outdoors.
Is there an advantage to planting dahlias early?
Planting dahlias earlyalso has an advantage, but only if the plants don't freeze but it is warm enough. By planting early, the dahlias sprout earlier and therefore show their flowers earlier.
When should dahlias be planted?
To avoid frost damage, dahlias should only be planted outdoors aroundend of April/beginning of May. The tubers can be planted in the bed as early as April. But dahlias that have been grown early cannot tolerate frost, which is why it is best to wait until after the Ice Saints.
Can dahlias be preferred?
It is ideal to grow the dahlias at home or in another frost-free location. To do this, the dahlia tubers are planted in pots, such as on the windowsill. Alternatively, a greenhouse can also be used.
How can dahlias planted too early be protected?
Dahlias planted too early can be treated withpots,fleece,StyrofoamorCarton be protected from frost. But this only works to a limited extent. If the freshly sprouted dahlias are frozen, the tubers will produce new shoots after a few weeks.
Tip
Promote from March and get less susceptible dahlias
If you are impatient, you should move your dahlias to a protected location from March onwards. The plants will be stronger if they are planted out in May. They are also less susceptible to snails, as they love fresh shoots.
