Life of the Dahlia- A New Year

Happy New Year to all my dahlia friends!  It’s time again to prepare for the next chapter in the “life of the Dahlia”, the search for dahlia tubers on your wish lists.  I’m sure many of you have already purchased your tubers from the commercial growers as soon as you get word their website has opened.  Over the last couple of years, the demand for tubers has really increased with many varieties selling out early.  So, you’d better get busy and shop. 

The American Dahlia Society publications are also a resource for tubers purchase ideas.  All od  the Show Reports for 2023 can be found on the ADS website .  The show reports highlight potential best in show winners that I may want to purchase.  The name of the winner is listed, and you can then contact them using the Federation of Northwest Dahlia Growers Show Book and/or the ADS Classification Handbook.  The ADS December Bulletin also shows Trial Garden and Seedling Bench results to help identify potential future show flowers. 

Here is a great link, http://dahliaaddict.com , that allows you to search the dahlia alphabetically. Once you click on the dahlia name the dahlia this link lists the growers who carry the tubers!  Use our web site for other links.  Other supplier sources can be found using this link, Suppliers – Colorado Dahlia Society  and in the Puget Sound Dahlia Association annual publication Dahlias of Today and the American Dahlia Association December Quarterly Bulletin. 

This month’s meeting will feature a presentation on the new 2024 dahlia introductions.  President Paul Kusche will review each flower and provide a printed list with descriptions and grower contact information.   New introductions can be pricey. Taking cutting from a tuber can make the price more tolerable and create two or more plants. Although you can take cuttings from a tuber look for growers who sell pot tubers.  These mini plants send up lots of new shoots for lots of cutting.  KCDS will discuss taking cuttings in February. 

One of the benefits of your membership to the Kitsap County Dahlia Society is the ability to network with other members to find, trade and/ or purchase tubers on your wish list.  Some of our members have inventory lists of available tubers that can be shared upon request. Our next General Meeting will be a great opportunity to network and seek out those lists. 

Late January or early February is a great time to perform a quality check your dahlia tubers.  This is a must.  Look at each bag, box or container of stored tubers a check for excess moisture and tuber root.  Early detection and removal of rotten tubers will prevent further loss of stock.  If you’ve lost a few of your favorite dahlias checking now will give you time to order new tubers. 

It’s always good to have a good layout plan for your garden, especially when growing height is important.  I have a flowerbed that I can grow dahlia plants that grow over 5 feet in the back row, 3 ½ to 4 feet in the middle row, and 2 to 3 feet in the front row.  Most commercial growers will include plant height, but if not available then a call. A good plan will allow you to determine how many tubers you can plant, while allowing for proper spacing, and determine if you need to order more!! Your plan should include a pathway entrance(s) and water source.  KCDS is starting to plan our display gardens for 2022 now.  We want you input on flowers you would like to see planted this year. 

I’ve given everyone lots of options to help you complete your wish lists.  Don’t delay ordering!  Several varieties are selling out!!