Hello! I have a Kelvin Floodlight variety. About two weeks after I put it in the ground, the buds starting getting this dark brown to black spotting on it, which covers most of the face of the bud. Now that the buds have opened, they are beautiful, except the petals in certain patches are browning. The leaves and other parts of plants are not affected. Only the buds and blooms. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INPUT! Buds ( photo / image / picture from mshelenlu's Garden ) Bloom ( photo / image / picture from mshelenlu's Garden )
Welcome to 'stew! Pretty Dahlias. Hopefully that's just transplant/disturbance stress. Are you in a warm enough place that they are able to stay in the ground all winter?
Yes, lucky for me I do not have to worry about digging them up for the winter. I do wonder how long I can leave them in the ground before having to worry about them overcrowding if I don;t divide them. How are your dahlias doing?
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MsHelen, I don't think you need to worry about that for a few years, but knowing your location would help. I'm sure they grow/multiply faster where it is warmer. Where I am, they can stay in the ground also but Dahlias don't seem like they will ever crowd themselves, but I've only had a couple bulbs for about 4 years. Kate, that's pretty!!
I am in sonoma county, ca and they say we can keep out dahlias in the ground for the next season. I guess I will see! The dahlia problem is not getting better so I am thinking of repotting and isolating the plant to see if I can get a better handle on issue whether it be pests, water, soil or otherwise. Kate, loving your photo! Thanks for sharing.
Both fungus and mites can cause blossom problems on dahlias. Separating it from your other plants is a good idea.
mshelenlu hi, Well snow can be an Insulation for plants but in Canada and how cold it gets I am unsure about outdoors in winter. Better dried and stored in sand/compost in a frost free shelter/greenhouse. Leave anyway till the frost blackens them then read this about storing, deviding etc. http://www.dahlias.net/dahwebpg/TuberStor/TuberStor1.htm There has been lots of fungus around this summer (brown toadstools) as Jewel said. Some in my pots and on the lawn, maybe too wet a Spring, and my over ambitious watering. Thanks for the lovely comments on my Dahlia!
Hmmm...I would have thought it was due to an episode of water shortage before you bought it, just as those buds were forming. If it happens to buds that have formed since you got the plant, then maybe Jewel is right, that it is a virus.
Yes, I am starting to think water is not the issue and fungus/virus/pests are. LOl I just realized three suspects is still not really narrowing it down. I agree fungus has been an unexpected issue for me this year! I got a nursery to take my samples and try to do a diagnosis. I will let you know what they find! Hope it is something I can treat or cure for my beautiful kelvin. Thanks for the all the support as I rack everyones' brains!
