Dahlias as cut flowers

[Lovage]

I've grown some wonderful Dahlias this year in warm and vibrant colours but have been very disappointed becaose they don't last long as cut flowers - only 3 or 4 days, and thats with no heating on!

Is this the norm for dahlias? -I grow other things which last 2 weeks

Any tips to prolong their vase life? - I've tried the usual sugar and bleach in the water to no avail

[jackie j]

Having been to the Bath and West Garden Show today I may be able to help as there was a talk about Daliahs by Mr Jon Wheatley, he said to prolong the life of a cut Daliah take off the bottom layer of petals as they wilt.

[Lovage]

Thanks I'll try that though it sounds a bit fiddly

[sarraceniac]

Use a floral preservative, available at florists or nurseries, in your clean vases . Change water daily. Keep dahlias out of hot sunlight: cooler is kinder. I put mine out at night to chill to preserve them a tad longer.

[nick the grief]

Dahlia's aren't long lived - a week at best really but what the lack in shelf life they make up for in flowers. I used to grow some varieties bred by one of the locals all stating with Weston in the name and from 2 plants of each I could pick a bucket ( 3 gallon) full at least 3 times a week !

Mind you if you're taking that many off them you need to feed them as well other wise they die of exhaustion!

Alstromeria's, Carnations and Chrysanths are the best for long life in the vase but change the water regularly and trim 1/2" off the bottom each time so theyt can take up water. A cheaper version of the florists granules is lemonade and Milton in the water If you search on t'interweb I'm sure you'll find a recipe