How can you tell if bulbs are dead,?

susananwms

Is there a way of telling if a bulb is dead or do you just have to plant and wait. I'm sure I've found some that are no good, I did not store them correctly and think they have perished because of that. I have asked a couple of people and they just said plant and see what happens. I've sent a pic, not sure if enough detail though

punkdoc

I am assuming they are Dahlia tubers??
If so, cut of the dead stems and plant in pots, in barely moist MPC, place in a frost free place and wait for a few weeks. Then you will know.

susananwms

Wow punkdoc thanks for quick reply.  I am not sure what they are but I will definitely do what you say and see what happens

Plantminded

If the tubers were dead, they'd look either desiccated due to no water content, or wet and a bit soft due to a fungal infection causing rotting.  Yours look pretty good - I think there's hope!  

Fairygirl

I think there's a shoot on that top one, but it might be the photo. 
Follow the advice given and you might get a result. Don't bury them too deep.
I agree, they look reasonably viable 

susananwms

Thanks Plantminded and Fairygirl that is good news and to think I was going to put them in the rubbish.  I will plant them up and see what happens.  I will post on here if I get some flowers.  Love this site.