Dahlia Notes

I love dahlias. They might as well be the summer version of peonies for me. I have never successfully overwintered them, but this year I am determined. I bought a few today from the local nursery, "The Garden Spot." A woman who I presumed to be part owner gave me a few great tips:

*Plant the dahlia and when shoots start coming up, cut all but one. This will provide a thick, tough main trunk and larger blooms.

*When dividing the dahlia in the fall, you always have to keep part of the main stalk on each division. She has dipped each tuber in wax to overwinter and keep fresh. If I don't want to do all of that, and open box of peat/sawdust will suffice in a nice cool dry place.