Is my dahlia dead?

Emerion

Hello,  I have a bad track record with dahlias, and ever-optimistic have tried again. I potted a plump, healthy-looking tuber, bought from a reputable supplier, at the end of February. I've kept the compost just damp and the pot in a warmish spot - utility room. No sign of any growth yet.  I've had a tentative poke around in the compost, but am frightened of damaging it if there is life there somewhere. Am I being impatient or should it be shooting by now? How damp should the compost be?

Yviestevie

I have loads of Dahlias and none of them are showing yet.  It's much too early.

ladygardener2

From what you've said you've done as I usually do and not kept the compost not wet but damp. However, more folk seem to be recommending us to soak the tuber to rehydrate it before planting inside somewhere warm to start it off. Perhaps it just needs a little more time. I do have some that I overwintered and they started sprouting by themselves but others I've started off that are'nt showing and I think it's just too early.

Purplerain

I have a few in pots not showing yet. I have some shooting up in a propagator tray, but I want cuttings from them first, so slightly forced.

They will show up, but like everything this year, we just have to be patient. You are not doing anything wrong.

Emerion

Thank you, I will be a bit more patient then. I'm assuming the worst based on previous experience. 

Purplerain

What happened in the past Emerion?

B3

I once waited weeks for my dahlias to emerge. When I looked closely, I saw that the shoots were being shaved off by slugs. That being said, I agree that it's much too early for anything to emerge.
If you don't want to use slug pellets,I used to put a jam jar over the emerging shoots until they were big enough to look after themselves.
Now I keep them safe in containers.

Kaymay

Don't give up Emerion. I planted 3 dahlias in the same compost in the same windowsill in February. One has emerged like a triffid nearly 2 ft and every week I keep cutting it back, the second has emerged gently and is about 4 inches and bushy, and the third nowhere in sight. Last year my outside ones only surfaced in May and I am in the mild SW so I'll expect them in about June this year😁

Emerion

Purplerain said:

What happened in the past Emerion?

I tried dahlia plants, which came home from the nursery in peak condition, and just faded away. Other plants in the same containers were thriving. I did a post-mortem and there was nothing sinister in the soil or on the roots. This happened two years running, so now I'm expecting the worst. 

Emerion

Re slugs - good point. I hope we haven't got them in the utility room, although it's possible. But I will take steps when I put it outside. I'm in west Wales and its slug heaven here. 

punkdoc

There is loads of time, I grow hundreds of Dahlias and don't even start them till later this month.