News from ADS!
January is for Dreaming - January 2021

Closeup of Sincerity, by permission - Syngenta Flowers
We have had a lot of moisture in the Mid-Atlantic. This is not good weather for the dahlia tubers still in the ground. Soggy soil is a bigger problem than cold weather. “Climate Change” seems to be making slow progress. The flower bulbs and garlic on our condo’s patio are also sprouting much more than normal. 

I dug, divided, and stored most of my tubers in plastic bags with vermiculite. If I were really conscientious, I would open the bags this month and check their condition. I would remove those with mold (mushy) and sprinkle some water (just a very little and don't tightly seal) if they are shriveling. I have never been a big believer in the latter, but it is a popular remedy. (My editor says it has worked for her!)

If you are in Southern Florida or other parts of the US that do not experience winter, you might plant tubers later this month so they can grow and bloom before the weather gets too hot and dry.

Dahlias are available from specialty sellers who can be found in the ADS Bulletin or on the Internet. They are also featured in the horticultural catalogues that are arriving daily. A good source for dahlia suppliers is www.dahliaaddict.com. In a month or two or three, dahlias will be found in the bigger garden centers or at sales by the many local dahlia societies.

Pictured left: Dahlia Melody Gypsy, Trademark, Ball Horticulture

For those subscribers who are ADS members, the U.S. Postal Service has let us down – many folks have not yet received their December ADS Bulletin. The Bulletin is however available on the ADS website in the members’ section. You must be signed in as a member to reach this page

For several years I have grown container, micro, and mignon dahlias on our patio. They flower all summer if you remove the spent blooms and modestly water them. The plants are easily kept in check. Dracula Dark Angel, pictured right, is an interesting dark foliage variety, perfect for a pot. Descriptions and photos can be found on the Internet. The big commercial hybridizers are distributing new colors and types each year. 
Kelsey Dwarf - photo by Ron Miner - perfect for a pot or border
This newsletter is principally for the casual dahlia grower. My advice to you is, relax for a month or two, dream a little, and do not rush the season.


Happy New Year,
Harry