Dahlia

sarahharmer2014

Hi all

I have added a photo of my dahlias down the bottom of my garden and they seem to be growing very slowly. I planted them in early June. We have had not much rain here but I didn't want to over water them as it may rot the tuber. I have also noticed yellow leafs at the bottom of the plant. 

I have put shells around them so the slugs and snails don't get them, which have worked so far. 

Anyone one else had this or can give me advice on what to do next? 

punkdoc

They need lots of water, especially in the weather we have been having. You only need to be careful with watering until they have started growing. They are also greedy, so give them regular feeding.

Fairygirl

Dahlias are hungry, greedy plants, so they need lots of nutrition, and lots of water. It's also important that they have good drainage, so that excess water can get away.
If you don't get regular rain, you'll need to water them frequently, but it's always better to water with a can//bucketful of water every few days, rather than a sprinkle every day. 
Some will flower later than others though. 

Fire

Once you have the plant in good leaf don't worry about over-watering. Water and feed weekly.

ERICS MUM

I suggest feeding them with a liquid tomato food (diluted in a watering can as per instructions on bottle).  Tomato food has a high ratio of potash which stimulates flowers (and fruit on fruiting plants).