DAHLIAS, advice please

[Gardenwitch]

I planted two Dahlia bulbs and they have been growing very well, I added liquid feed to the water a few days ago. But yesterday I noticed on one plant a very chalky white "dust" all over the tops of my plant leaves now this morning my other plant several pots down from it is starting to get it too!

What is this and what can be done for them? I'd hate for anything to go wrong now especially as they both have numerous buds on them. Thank you!

[rustylady]

They really need to be planted outside now if you have the room. Dahlias make massive plants, and keeping them evenly watered in pots is a nightmare. The white "dust" could be powdery mildew, or could just be salts from the feed crystallizing on the leaves.

[Gardenwitch]

ok thank you, yes thats what i came up with as well.

[Gardenwitch]

Does anyone else have their Dahlias in bloom? They are huge and bushy green covered in buds, at least a dozen each, but the buds are about to open as you can see the color inside the bud a bit. I thought they were suppossed to bloom in July-August time? This just seems so early to me; but I do love seeing them.

[IgglePiggle]

Does anyone else have their Dahlias in bloom? They are huge and bushy green covered in buds, at least a dozen each, but the buds are about to open as you can see the color inside the bud a bit. I thought they were suppossed to bloom in July-August time? This just seems so early to me; but I do love seeing them.

You could always pinch them out if you wanted and the growing tips, they will soon catch up

[Two_Sheds]

Does anyone else have their Dahlias in bloom? They are huge and bushy green covered in buds

the one I had in the greenhouse has buds on it, about to open, but the outdoor ones are being more sensible

[Gardenwitch]

hum good to know well the blooms started opening today, so i guess i'll let them be this year- must be all the sunshine lately and they couldnt help themselves