Failures happen

Anyone that has grown dahlias has experienced failure. While not inherently difficult to grow, dahlias face many obstacles growing to produce blooms. Insects, animals, rain, wind, temperatures (hot and cold), and neglect all come into play while dahlias are growing.

Many of you have been participants in the dahlia WARS. At last, you have FINALLY received that unicorn tuber that you’ve been after. The tuber is from a reputable grower, it is plump and has a visible eye. This is the ONE you’ve been waiting for, so you want to do everything possible to ensure it succeeds.

You wait until the soil is at least 60 degrees. You carefully plant the tuber in compost rich, well-drained soil. You are careful not to over-water the tuber as it has no roots. You wait anxiously for the green shoot to emerge from the soil, and after what seemed like an eternity you see it…. Joy Joy Joy!

The next morning you find the shoot is lying on the soil, separated from the plant. What’s this? My precious unicorn is dead! You gently move the soil, and there it is…...a cutworm! Angrily you dispatch the cutworm, secure in the knowledge that your plump tuber will push another shoot.

 After another week, another shoot pops up and life is good. You check the growth daily, happy to see the tuber is pushing up a strong shoot.

One day, you find a rabbit has eaten the shoot to the ground! You promptly look up methods to deter rabbits and wait for the plump tuber to push another shoot.

You wait, and wait, but nothing comes up. How can this be, the tuber was healthy and plump. I did my best to prepare the soil, and I was diligent not to over water the tuber. You gently dig up the tuber and find a small hole in the tuber. You examine the hole, and there is a light brown worm in the hole. A wireworm has eaten your precious unicorn, and you want to give up.

Oh wait, there’s more…...rain, wind, drought, but do not despair! We have absolutely neglected some of our dahlias, and yet, they have THRIVED. Dahlias are tough plants, they want to live, but they do require care (especially when young).

In summary, you WILL experience losses. It is unfortunate, and not always with a clear explanation, but it is not a reflection on you or your gardening abilities.

At Ragged Mountain Perennials, we are experienced at growing dahlias, but have lost perfectly good tubers, thriving cuttings, and transplants as well. It happens, and while sad, it is part of growing these beautiful plants that we adore. Best of luck for a wonderful growing season!