Successful Cultivation Of Gorgeous Dahlias. Storage

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Lush flowering, the health of the planting material directly depends on the storage methods for varietal dahlias. Plants weakened during the winter will not be able to please their owners with powerful shoots with large buds. How to properly preserve your favorite bushes before planting?

Harvest"

Dig the tubers in dry, sunny weather, trying not to damage the juicy stolons. Otherwise, the infection from the surface of the earth can spread to plants. Thoroughly clean the soil, carefully removing it with your hands. Lay out to dry in a greenhouse or veranda.

After 5 days, thin suction roots are removed, the excess stem is cut off, leaving 4-5 cm from the neck. Places of cuts are powdered with slaked lime or ash. The plants are carefully examined. Open wounds on the tubers are abundantly lubricated with brilliant green.

Leave the planting material for a week in a warm room at a temperature of at least 20 degrees. During this period, the sections will be tightened with corked tissue, which will prevent infection from penetrating inside during storage.

Preparation and storage methods

There are several storage options:

1. Sand base. A thick sheet of paper of a larger size is laid at the bottom of the box. Pour dry sand with a layer of 5 cm. Arrange the tubers tightly in 1 row. Increase the height of bulk material, add dahlias. Finish off with a sandy pillow. The edges of the paper are folded inward. The boxes are put back on the rack. Sawdust, peat, perlite are an alternative to the granular component.

2. Clay shell. The tubers peeled from the ground are dipped for 0.5 days in a strong solution of potassium permanganate for disinfection. Dry for a week in a warm room. A creamy clay solution is prepared by adding a small amount of fungicide. The roots are dipped completely into the mixture. Then spread on a newspaper to dry. Hard crust stops growth, moisture evaporation during storage. In the spring, with a light tap, break the shell before planting.

3. Paraffin carapace. The melting point of the substance is 50-55 degrees. Melt it in a water bath. The tuber is completely dipped in liquid for a few moments. Give time to freeze in air. The procedure is repeated. The hardened paraffin firmly holds moisture inside. The planting material can be stored at higher temperatures. Before planting, the integrity of the film is violated; it is not necessary to completely remove it.

4. Batch method. Varietal dahlias grown from seeds do not have time to form thick, powerful stolons over the summer. Their size does not exceed a walnut. To preserve the specimens you like, the dried roots are placed in a plastic bag, sprinkled with sawdust or peat. Tied tightly. Placed in the bottom drawer of the refrigerator.

Storage locations

For storage, rooms with dry, cool air are used:

• insulated loggias;

• frost-proof verandas;

• underground.

Cellars are not suitable for these purposes because of the high humidity of the air, the planting material rots.

The temperature is maintained in the region of 5-7 degrees, the humidity at the level of 60-80%.

Winter control

The largest losses of planting material occur during the winter period. Once a month, dahlias should be examined for diseases. Decay begins with last year's stems above the neck, then goes down to the tubers. It is difficult to distinguish a healthy root from a patient at the first stage of the lesion. The result is revealed at the last stage, when it is too late to take action.

To reduce the likelihood of rotting, you can peel the juicy part of the stem to the bottom, leaving the inner skin dry. Dry for several hours to heal wounds.

If damage is found in the early stages, the damaged tissue is excised to a healthy place. Sprinkle with a mixture of equal parts of slaked lime and colloidal sulfur or treat with foundation. As an antiseptic, 3% hydrogen peroxide or hardwood ash is used.

By adhering to the above methods, you will always have healthy planting material. Enjoy the color palette, variety of shapes and types of your favorite dahlias all summer long. May these beautiful flowers delight you for many years without causing any hassle!