Ooops. Pressed the button too soon! That sounded like I was boasting! What I meant to ask was can I split this up or not? The two smaller bits fell off - can they be planted or not? I'm new to dahlias - managed to lift them and keep them dry over Winter, but what now?? Thank you for any help with this.
unless the top bit have a bit of stem ,, they won't grow. The big bit might be splitable, but you'd have to pick it up, look really closely to see if there's stem attached to separate tubers. Can't see from the photo
I find big dahlias often split on their own. The top bit looks like it will shoot. The second one possibly not, but try it in a small pot to give it a chance.
The big clump will split into at least two, possibly three. Each piece needs to have a shoot. I think I would put a sharp knife between the four tubers on the left and the rest of it, with two shoots to the left and one to the right.
I wouldn't risk it. Top pic. The one on the right might grow but you won't get much of a plant. The one on the left won't grow. I'd plant the bottom one whole
The bottom one looks like it could be (gently) teased apart into two plants. I don't think the bits that have dropped off will grow, you need an actual stem attached to the tuber.
Thank you all so much for your advice. A lot to think about. I have got other clumps of tubers as well as those pictured, so I guess I can experiment a little. I was just a little overwhelmed at how huge the rootstock was! Jenny_Aster - thanks for the cuttings clip. If I manage to bring anything into growth I will definitely be giving that a go. It’s just so exciting that we’re at this time of year! Thanks again everyone. Fingers crossed! X
Drumelzier
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The big bit might be splitable, but you'd have to pick it up, look really closely to see if there's stem attached to separate tubers. Can't see from the photo
I'd plant the bottom one whole
https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-take-basal-cuttings-from-dahlias/
Cambridgeshire/Norfolk border.