Question:
How do I separate and store the dahlias I recently dug up? I planted one in April, and it has multiplied into a cluster of twenty to thirty bulbs.Answer:
- Dahlias are actually classified as tubers, not bulbs. A true bulb contains modified leaves called scales, a basal plate that develops roots, and a shoot that emerges from the center. Dahlias lack a basal plate and scales, and their roots and new shoots develop from ‘eyes’ or growth buds.
- Tulips, daffodils, and cyclamen are true bulbs, while dahlias and potatoes are examples of tubers.
- First, wash off the dirt from the clump to expose all the tubers. If the dirt is already dry, submerge the clump in a bucket of water. After thirty minutes, rinse them off with a hose and let the clump air-dry.
- Then, you have two options: divide the clump into individual tubers for storage now, or keep the entire clump until next year.
- In April or May, divide the clump two to four weeks before planting. Since you probably won’t plant all the tubers, select the largest and firmest ones and discard the rest.
- Each tuber must include a growth bud or 'eye'; these are located along the narrow end of the tuber near where it attaches to the main or last year’s stalk
- With freshly dug dahlias, the eyes are easy to recognize; otherwise, include a piece of last year's stalk. All cut surfaces should be dusted with sulfur to prevent rotting.
- Store dahlias in a cool, dry place in an open container filled with sawdust, sand, vermiculite, or perlite. Dividing dahlias is not as difficult as it might seem and has a high success rate.
Question:
My cherry trees were affected last year by Black Cherry Aphids. I previously controlled Aphids by placing a ring of sticky substance around the trunk. This year, it didn't help at all. Will dormant spray prevent Aphids next year?Answer:
- Dormant spray controls overwintering insects like scale and mites. However, it doesn’t guarantee you’ll be Aphid-free next year. Aphids can overwinter on many other woody ornamentals and perennials so that they may return.
- When caught early, Aphids are quite easy to manage.
- Watch the trees in spring for the first signs of curly leaves. Once spotted, remove affected leaves and apply three weekly treatments of insecticidal soap.
- This should keep the leaves healthy all season.
- Continue using the sticky barrier, sold as Tanglefoot or Pest Barrier, on the trunk to prevent ants from carrying Aphids into the canopy, as they feed on the sticky, clear substance called 'honey dew' produced by the Aphids.