Thanks to some great spring weather conditions, our dahlia tubers were planted in the 3rd week of October. 3 weeks later, we have a variety of well sprouted and happily growing plants, and others that are just starting to poke above the soil. Some tuber varieties sprout fast, others can take up to 4-6 weeks.
It is important to apply water carefully during these early weeks. Whist we have an automated watering system, in the first month I only hand water, to ensure the well spouted plants receive enough water, but importantly to ensure that the slower tubers don’t receive too much. Two weeks ago we had a short downfall the produced 60mm of rain, which waterlogged some of the soil. Most pants were completely fine, but there was one particular gap in the garden where I knew I had planted a particular variety that was usually an early grower. After some gentle digging down into the soil, I located the tuber and gave it a gentle test squeeze……fingers went straight through with the tuber feeling like squishy custard! Whilst most tuber will survive some rot being cut out, this one was unfortunately far beyond saving.
