Splitting Dahlias

I took advantage of a talk radio show on Sirius Radio. I called in to ask how to split dahlias (I had heard it was doable but pretty precise). The garden pro said to dig them up in the fall in one cluster. Put them in a box with peat moss (I think I will use saw dust or newspaper shreddings). Store them in the basement in a cool, dry place.

In the spring, they will start sprouting on their own. Sometime around Mother's Day; get them out and start to divide. The crucial step is to make sure and get a few sprouts per division. (This is why he doesn't do it in the fall before storing.) They will be ready to plant.

May 2007: I pulled out the dahlias ready to see some sprouting. Not only were there no sprouts on any dahlia, but they were all shriveled dry lumps. I had to throw them all away. Not happy.