Dahlia: How to divide, propagate, and propagate from cuttings (photo)

The dahlia is a popular autumn flower. While flower shape, height, and size vary, they all share one thing in common: beauty. September's warmth promotes a long lifespan. In the absence of frost, flowering can occur even in October. Dahlias and their propagation are a fascinating process that requires a comprehensive answer. Gardeners often ask, "How do dahlias propagate?" Equally common is the question, "How do you divide dahlias?" Effective propagation of dahlias is by tubers.

Before dividing, we dig up the planting material

If you don't plan to propagate dahlias, you should divide the bushes annually. If the plant has no more than two stems, the flowers will be large. Otherwise, the flowers will be smaller, and their brightness and richness will fade. Dividing dahlias in the fall results in the bush becoming younger.

Bushes are dug up immediately after the first frost. Some people are in no hurry to dig up the plant, as it's quite possible that warm weather will set in. The first frost will only affect the newly bloomed flowers. The plant itself won't be harmed. However, it's important to remember that if frost strikes, the stems can be damaged and rot. It's important to take the time to dig up the plant promptly. After all, rot from the stem can spread to the tuber. Therefore, any experienced gardener will tell you that timing is crucial when carrying out such activities.

Dahlias are not gladiolus. They don't have any special weather requirements. Therefore, they can be dug up even in rainy weather. If there are many plants, they won't all be planted. It's not necessary to dig up every single one. Just dig up the required number, plus a little extra. Anything left in the ground will rot and serve as good fertilizer.

How to divide dahlia tubers

The choice is determined by large, profusely flowering bushes. Before digging, the stems are pruned to form stumps up to 30 cm high. This prevents the stems from breaking during digging, as this can also damage the root collar. The soil should be shaken off, and any remaining residue should be washed off with water. While washing, remove any small, underdeveloped tubers. The main tubers, which extend from the root collar, are left in place. These will need to be divided in the spring.

Preparing tubers

After this, rinse the tubers again with water. Trim them again, leaving a stem 1-2 cm long. During winter storage, the material can rot. The stem is the starting point for this process. It's left on the veranda for a couple of days. If severe frosts occur, move it to a frost-proof room.

Dividing tubers

Everything must be done carefully. To do this, the stem must be loosened. Cutting the parent plant may be necessary.

How to properly divide a dahlia tuber?

Many people ask when to divide dahlias: in spring or fall? In fact, you can do it at any time.

Autumn division

Anyone doing this in the fall should have a clear understanding of how to divide dahlia tubers in the fall. These manipulations should be performed using a sharp cutting tool. A knife or scissors are acceptable.

How to perform division

1. Using a sharp knife, split the remaining stem in half. The growth bud should be located on both sides. This should be done with extreme care and avoid tearing the stem from the rhizome. In theory, it won't be a big deal if this does happen.
2. The rhizome is pulled apart laterally. The seedlings are then inspected. If there are multiple buds, the procedure is repeated. In a similar manner, a single large root can be divided into several parts. These will form a new plant.
3. The ideal planting material is a whole tuber or a portion of one containing a bud. If there are two buds, re-cut the tuber on a cutting board. A sharp knife is essential. The following procedure provides the answer to the question of how to divide dahlias in the fall.

Spring division

Gardeners disagree on the timing of dividing. Some believe autumn is the best time for this procedure. Others disagree. In winter, natural selection causes the buds to become clearly visible. Therefore, they believe it's best to divide in the spring. If dividing in the spring, remove the tubers from storage three weeks before planting and inspect them. If the buds are alive and have emerged from hibernation, separate the tubers. The buds may not be visible due to the tubers drying out. Spray them with water and leave them to germinate. Then separate them.

Propagation of dahlias by cuttings

Cuttings are an effective method of propagation. They are propagated from mature young plants. This is best done in a greenhouse, but a cold frame is also suitable. The plant develops its own root system. Under favorable conditions, continuous development occurs. Rooted cuttings are planted shallowly. If potted, the seedlings are planted deeper. The root ball is buried 7 cm below the soil surface.

Dividing the bush into sections is essential. The shoot emerges from the bottom, and obtaining a cutting of the required quality from it is quite difficult. It's best to work with short cuttings.

Propagation of dahlias by tubers

In March, the tubers should be moved to a warm room. They require adequate light. Here, they germinate. Before germination, remove any damaged parts. The planting material is dipped in a weak solution of potassium permanganate (0.2%) for ten minutes. Then, it is planted in boxes and covered with sandy soil. The root collar is open, and the soil is moist. After 10 days, the tubers are divided. For this purpose, the root tuber is cut into pieces. Each piece contains at least one eye. When planting, the cut section is left free of backfill.

How to store dahlia tubers

1. Storage in boxes. The tubers are placed root-side down on a layer of peat. Sand or sawdust is used.
2. You can store them in sand. It should be well-dried. Cover the top of the box with burlap. In winter, the condition of the roots is easily checked. The main danger is excess moisture.
3. Storing in paraffin. This method is labor-intensive but effective. The paraffin will prevent moisture and high temperatures.