Dahlias - OK to cut down before first frost?

c_watkins

Hello!

I have a couple of dahlias in great bloom at the moment and here in South Wales no frost forecast yet... I've just been told the spring flowering bulbs I've ordered are on their way (a week early) and I need the space where the dahlias are to plant the new bulbs.
Is it OK, if I have to, to pull up the dahlias before they are blackened by frost? Could it affect their growth for next year?

Many thanks for your help. 
Cheers, Chris 

Dovefromabove

Don’t think it’ll do them any harm .... but you could pop them in a big pot/tub or something ... that way you’ll get the best of both worlds. 😊 

Hostafan1

I agree, won't do any harm. Even if you can dig them up and prop them somewhere before cutting them down after the frosts. Against the shed? corner of a border? that sort of thing

AnniD

It's not a problem digging them up early,  do you have somewhere you can store them (upside down) to dry off ?
Some advice here
https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-lift-and-store-dahlias2/
As Dove says, if you've got some suitable pots you could enjoy the flowers for a little while longer 

c_watkins

Thanks everyone for replying so quickly, I'll dig 'em up and put them where I can, very good idea and thank you AnniD for the link.
Not today though... We have Welsh Weather today 😁

Brexiteer

Hostafan1 said:

I agree, won't do any harm. Even if you can dig them up and prop them somewhere before cutting them down after the frosts. Against the shed? corner of a border? that sort of thing

👍👍 

Brexiteer

What spring bulbs you putting in mate 

c_watkins

I'll be putting in Iris reticulata and Allium, maybe some daffodils.