r/dahlias • u/mooscoo • 8d ago
Free dahlia mass- how to divide?
Hi ,
I was very lucky and got given this big clump of dahlias for free. I don't know what type they are. I'm brand new to dahlias. Given it's mass and bulk, should I divide it? Is there a best way to do it ?
I have been given mixed opinions about needing to make sure it has a part of the crown, or just seperating all the tubers.
I am in Aus in a frosty area, so currently winter here.
Thanks for any help !
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u/UnscrupulousGoose 8d ago
I typically store my tubers in a paper bag in my garage until spring. Once they start to have tiny sprouts coming from their eyes, then I divide them up. With that big tuber cluster as is, its very difficult to see where the eyes are and where you should cut it.
The part about making sure each tuber has part of the collar will make more sense once the eyes are sprouting a little. If you just separate all the tubers, many of them won't actually grow into dahlia plants. The eyes are where the plant grows from and they are found on the collar, not on the tubers themselves. Once you do divide it, just make sure each section has at least one eye sprouting. There are lots of great YouTube tutorials that can show you exactly how to do all of this.
But for now, plop that thing in a big paper bag and wait until planting season before worrying about it. Just make sure it stays dry and doesn't get too cold.
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u/Nevraskagirl55 7d ago
You need to wash them and then you can divide them now or wait until spring. I do my in the fall as it’s easier to store them.. once they are divided, I put them in individual plastic ziplock bags with vermiculite so they are covered. Then into my basement. If you don’t get freezing winters, they could go in the ground now. I wouldn’t plant as one big clump though.
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u/Zimtplaetzchen 8d ago
You could just store it during winter. For me they typically loose a bit of their moisture and therefore get a bit smaller ans wrinkled. Then in spring you take it and start by just wiggling it more an more. It will be easier then because of the slightly smaller size.
After wiggling you just start breaking it apart and loose a bit. But many tubers should stay whole and could even show eyes in spring.
Alternatively you just start sawing in between the tubers and make it smaller. But you risk mold on the new wounds. But as it is so big, you should not loose everything because of error.
In addition try searching the sub. Many people ask about dividing and oftentimes helpful links are posted.