when and how to split dahlias
When to Divide Dahlia Tubers. Dahlia growers know better than to take a chance and leave the tubers in the ground over winter. Excess moisture may rot the roots and a good hard freeze will simply kill them.If you dig them up in spring, you may find a mass of mushy, rotten tubers which will not produce.During spring, before you plant the overwintered root mass, is when to divide dahlia tubers.If you divide when you pull the roots for overwintering, you may find they are not viable in spring, so wait a bit before splitting dahlia tubers. This is because each tuber must have an eye or growth bud that is viable.ow to Divide Dahlia Clumps. Lifting the clump of roots carefully will prevent any mechanical injury which will damage the tubers. This is done in fall, but wait to divide the roots. Find the previous yearâs mother tuber and get rid of her. Her energy is mostly spent and she will not be a good plant.
Many people mistakenly assume that dahlia plants are bulbs. In actuality, dahlias are grown from tubers. You are probably familiar with another kind of tuber, the potato. Tubers are planted in the ground and then produce plants from their eyes. Unlike potatoes, dahlias only have eyes near the ends of the tuber.ahlias should be split in the fall. Wait until the first frost strikes. This frost should kill off the greenery on your plants and make digging them up much earlier. Plus, you might as well enjoy your beautiful dahlia blooms as long as possible.