Dahlias in pots?

[cazsudz]

Hello everyone

Has anyone grown Dahlias in pots? If so what type of compost and size of pot is needed?

many thanks

Caz

[Two_Sheds]

Yeah, they grow in pots, a Morrisons bucket would do it, in mpc. I have some tubers in shallow trays indoors at the mo, being forced for cuttings. They'll go back out in the ground late April/early May

[jojo2910]

I'm doing exactly as Two Sheds said this year. I'm hoping to get a few cuttings for next year.

[cazsudz]

Thanks both - I'll give it a try

[bramble]

You could always sow some from seed. There are quite a few varieties of dahlia seed on the market and also some double single or cactus types. They come in a range of different heights. If you are putting them in containers you might take that into account. I have had some in containers and my only criticism would be they tend to dry out very quickly.

[Snadger]

I grow large bloomed chrysanths in pots so dahlias shouldn't be a problem. Because they are a water filled tuber though they will need a LOT of water.

[bravo2zero]

Dahlias will grow in pots but dont expect the same size plant and vigour as a plant in open ground. Put them in pots about 12" and above with good drainage in JI No2 or 3. Water regular little and often did me well last year. Good luck.

[jojo2910]

How long does it take for dahlias when potted up to show signs of life. I put some in pots with MPC about a month ago and 2 out 6 have produced leaves, the others show no sign (they were all cheap pounland jobs). My new dahlias (more expensive) are in trays with a little MPC as per the method in the latest Gardeners World mag. About half are doing something the others not. I am worrying over them like they were children!

[Two_Sheds]

They will come up quickly if warm enough.

Mine all have 6" shoots on them, expect one that I bought in Wilko's 10p sale (well, it might have lived)

[jojo2910]

Hmmm. They are in my conservatory which is probably the warmest room in the house.

BTW, Two Sheds, thanks very much for the quick answer.

[bravo2zero]

best way to get them to shoot is pot them up and put them in a heated propagator. constant bottom heat is the key.

[jojo2910]

A few days in the propagator and they are shooting. Thanks all for their help.

[Two_Sheds]

Mine all have 6" shoots on them, expect one that I bought in Wilko's 10p sale

It lives! It's now got new leaves appearing, hurrah. In the unheated gh, min temp is 9c
I've just taken cuttings from the others too, so hopefully lots of dahlias this year