How cold is cold for a Dahlia?

EmmaP2

So, I have got my Dahlia's out of their winter storage and potted them up.  In the absence of a greenhouse, how cold would be too cold for them to be left on south facing patio?  Would covering the pots in bubble wrap be a good solution?  The pots are rather large - so I am trying to see if I can avoid bringing them indoors into the house...Advice please.

Janie B

I usually leave my dahlias in the ground, and just cover them with a mound of compost and an upturned plant pot (think this was advice from Sarah Raven), and they do fine here in Lincolnshire. I would think so long as you don't have a frost, they should be ok. Put them up against a wall for further protection, maybe. 

fidgetbones

A frost will turn them into a slimy mess.

EmmaP2

Thanks Janie B - we are on clay here, so I always dig them up and put them to bed in the garage to overwinter!  Trouble is they are getting so large now (the tubers) that I need tubs like buckets to start them off - which makes bringing them indoors more problematic!  I might try tucking them into the corner and hope that being on a south facing wall will keep them safe....

fidgetbones

Mine are in buckets. I need a bigger greenhouse.

oooft

Have you thought about dividing them? More plants and easier to manage for you. A bit of insurance against losing a favourite plant too

EmmaP2

Thanks oooft - I have taken some of the tubers off and put them in smaller pots - but the "mother plants" are still huge!  Garden is not large enough for any more plants unfortunately...

oooft

Can you not demolish part of your house and create more space for plants?