Ask JOHN NEGUS

What should I do with my ‘lost’ dahlias?

Q I’ve just discovered some dahlia tubers still in the bags with sawdust as purchased earlier this year. They are shrivelled but fairly firm. Are there any ways I can rescue them so I can grow them next year in pots?

Mark Lerigo (via email)

A The best way to resuscitate your dahlia tubers which, amazingly, are still firm, is to set them one to a pot in multi-purpose compost. Water them in and position them outdoors in a warm, sunny place.

Hopefully, if the tubers are not too desiccated, plants will form new roots and shoots will appear.

Then, in October or early November, when night temperatures are hovering around freezing and dahlia leaves are slightly frost scorched, move your plants to a frost-free greenhouse, conservatory, garage, or shed to overwinter.

In March or April, move your plants to a warm, light place. If it is not practicable to do so, keep them in their winter quarters until new shoots appear in May.

Then set them outside when night temperatures are rising to a ‘comfortable’ level.

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