swan island dahlias

Where is Swan Island Dahlias?

Swan Island Dahlias, in business for over 94 years, is the largest and leading dahlia grower in the United States. We are located in the town of Canby, in the rich soil of the Willamette Valley of Oregon.

Can I leave dahlias in the ground over winter?

Leaving Dahlias in the ground overwinter. These dahlias have remained in the ground for five years now and..... The normal way to overwinter dahlias is to lift them after the frost turns them black and to store in a cool frost free dry place.

What time of year do you plant dahlias?

A: Dahlia tubers are best planted after the soil has warmed a bit, between mid-April and mid-May. In a sunny location with soil that drains well, dig a deep, wide hole and work in a good amount of compost.

Do dahlias come back every year?

You can dig up the tubers in fall, store them over the winter and plant them again next spring. Dahlias are not considered to be biennial. ... In their native warm climate, they re-sprout from their underground tubers to bloom each year.

Will deer eat dahlias?

Deer resistance

The good news for dahlias is that they are low on the deer's list of favorite foods. While dahlias are not “deer proof,” they are considered to be so in some parts of the country – probably those areas where deer find enough other plants they prefer to eat!

Are dahlias annuals or perennials?

Dahlias are tender annuals, but you can overwinter them pretty easily. In fall, after the first frost has blackened the foliage, cut off all but 2 to 4 inches of top growth, and carefully dig tubers without damaging them. Allow tubers to dry for a few days in a frost-free location, out of direct sunlight.

Do dahlias multiply?

Dahlia tubers are sometimes called a "bulb", but they are technically a tuber, similar to a potato. ... Underground, the tubers multiply each year (again, like a potato). You only need one tuber with one "eye" to successfully grow a vigorous dahlia plant.

What temperature will kill dahlias?

Find your USDA Hardiness Zone here. Dig up dahlias before the first hard freeze. A light freeze (32°F / 0°C) will kill the foliage, but a hard freeze (28°F / -4°C) will kill the tubers, too.

What to do with dahlias when finished flowering?

Dig all around the dahlia clump and lift the tubers with a fork, taking great care not to damage them with the spikes. Shake off as much soil as you can. ...
Rinse off the soil thoroughly, then stand the tubers upside down to dry. ...
Pack the tubers in a box or pot and cover them with dry compost.

Should I deadhead dahlias?

When a dahlia blossom has passed its prime, removing the dead flower head will encourage the plant to produce new buds. This activity of clipping off spent flowers is called deadheading. It's good for your plants and will also keep them looking neater.

How long will dahlias last?

In order to maximize their relatively short 3 to 4 day vase life, warm or hot tap water is ideal. I've found that dropping them in a vase of hot water and letting it cool to room temperature can extend their vase life up to 2 to 3 days.

Should I soak dahlia tubers before planting?

Very little moisture will set the tuber's growth in motion, if there is any life in it. Water often starts rot. It doesn't make sense to soak tubers in water, as their fine feeder roots are destroyed when originally dug from the ground... they can't drink water without them.

Are dahlias poisonous to dogs?

Dahlia: Another beautiful flower that ranks among the plants toxic to dogs and cats are dahlias. Although not as high in toxicity as some of the other plants mentioned, this flower will cause your pet to experience mild gastrointestinal signs and mild dermatitis.

What month do you plant dahlia bulbs?

Dahlias are tender tubers so they need to be started off under cover in early Spring, then planted out after the frosts. If you plant them out before the frosts are over, they may get frosted and die, so pot them up in March or early April.

Will broken dahlia tubers grow?

If the neck of a dahlia tuber is broken, it will NOT grow. ... The cut will heal and the tuber will be just fine. Also, dig only as many clumps as you can process in one or two days. The eyes are prominent only for 48 hours after being dug; after that, they recede and are not visible until the following spring.

Do coffee grounds keep deer away?

The storage of the coffee grounds for 7 to 10 days in a bag, wet, makes them pretty stinky. Perhaps that is what repels the deer and such.

Do deer like hydrangeas?

According to Rutgers University, most hydrangeas are “occasionally severely damaged”. ... Which means that deer prefer other plants more, but when hungry deer will eat hydrangeas. They recommended adding repellent or extra protection, especially during winter months.

What flowers will DEER not eat?

Daffodils, foxgloves, and poppies are common flowers with a toxicity that deer avoid. Deer also tend to turn their noses up at fragrant plants with strong scents. Herbs such as sages, ornamental salvias, and lavender, as well as flowers like peonies and bearded irises, are just “stinky” to deer.

Do Dahlias like full sun?

Most dahlias will be best in full sun. But some varieties will be better in the shade than others. 'Some of the wild species dahlias evolved as forest edge plants,' explains Steven. 'They would only have had a few hours of direct sunlight a day.

How do you care for outdoor dahlias?

Provide plenty of water to your plants. Water plants deeply once or twice per week. Big dahlias need a support structure to keep the heavy blooms from bending to the ground. Fertilize monthly with water soluble fertilizer or twice during the growing season use ½ cup (240 mL.)

Can dahlias grow in partial shade?

They grow as perennials in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11, where they can remain in the ground during the winter with little chance of their roots freezing. Dahlias and their companion plants need full sun or light shade in very hot climates, regular water and well-draining soil.