Our take on Dahlia Tubers
Quality . Storage . Care
When do we dig?
We dig our tubers once the plants have had multiple frosts. Here in Wanaka we get frosts that start to hit early April.
By the end of May we start lifting tubers depending on how our field is looking. Keeping an eye out for stem rot if we get lots of autumn rains.
Our approach is slow, lifting just a few varieties at a time to make sure each clump is carefully lifted, divided and dried for 12-24 hours before storing in vermiculite for their winter storage.
Our quality standard in tubers
Dahlia’s are not cheap, and there is always a risk of a tuber that could rot, shrivel or just not push out a sleepy eye.
I’ve been sold many tubers which are questionable of their quality of life and performance when the hit the dirt.
This is why we take pride in our lifting, dividing and storing process. Refining what we do so your tubers arrive in top quality condition.
Eyes on your tuber
For a tuber to shoot stems and bloom it needs to have eyes. Eyes is where the growth point of your stem will grow out from. If a tuber doesn’t have an eye, it wont emerge out of the ground.
Each tuber you purchase will have a clear eye. Variety to variety the prominent eye will look more or less visable.
Storage of your NEW tubers.
After you have received your tubers it will come in a small box with wood shavings. Check to see that your tuber has arrived safely, that it is the correct variety and that you are happy with the tuber.
A healthy tuber will have:
No broken necks
Clear visible eyes
A firm tuber body
Your tubers will be happy sitting in their box they came in. Place the box somewhere it is free from moisture, and where it wont be exposed to freezing temperatures. 10-15 degrees it optimal to keep your tuber sleeping.
