Beth, I always seem to have an issue with my dahlias needing to be planted before it's time to put them out. Just this morning I was looking online for some ideas. In the past, I've potted them up and put them in a small cold frame type contraption on my sunny driveway against the foundation, and they actually did fairly well. But what a pain in the neck potting up all those pots (a good 80 or so). And an expense for all that potting soil.

This morning I read that one can put them in a plastic tray or box and keep them in a sunny window inside. So, a few things. First of all, I just skimmed the articles and plan to go back tomorrow to re-read. Secondly, I'm not sure if this is just to get the eyes to sprout, or to start growing them for real. Lastly, I'm thinking you could probably use a cardboard box, as long as it doesn't get too wet - which I'm thinking it won't because it seems you shouldn't keep the dahlias too wet. If I try this indoor way (and I might) I am looking at some clear plastic boxes I have - various sizes, like those Sterlite boxes, if you are familiar.

Try googling "waking up your dahlias" or something similar. Good luck!

:)

Dee

Hi Dee, apologies for the delay in response. Thank you so much!!! Super helpful!!! Looking at the weather I got kind of anxious. I actually did end up doing boxes for a week and it worked great! Even the like 10 that I thought had no hope started sprouting (which I feel a bit bad about since I emailed the company that they were dried out and they sent me new ones. Oops :/ ). Anyway, so yeah! Had them in my basement under grow lights and worked quite well. Yesterday I started putting them in these felt “pots” I tried last year. They aren’t too bad. $22 for 12 on Amazon. With last frost looking further out than normal I ended up investing in a bit more than I wanted to :/ But it wasn’t too bad. But yeah the soil… I’ve been out of the gardening game for a few years and forgot how pricey it is!!!!!! Ouch!!!!! Anyway, so here’s my plan until they can go outside. A few little heaters I’m HOPING will keep the garage warm enough. Last night was the first night and it worked pretty good but we’ll see as it gets colder. Thanks so much for the advice!!!!!!!!!! I’ll try a plastic trays for the “replacements” when they arrive 😬 Best of luck with yours too!! :) Thanks again!!

Thanks for the tips!!!! good luck to you too!!!! bte good to talk to uou again :) We communicated a bunch years ago wjen i first started gardening and i disapeared for a while. happy to be in touch again! thanks Dee :)

Oh wow, it's so nice to have you back! Hope all is well with you. Come on over to the perennials forum - it's a bit busier than here. Sadly GW isn't the hopping place it used to be but it's still my go-to gardening site. I just ask most of my questions on the perennials forum now. Some of the more specialized forums (aside from hostas, daylilies, and roses lol) just don't get the traffic.

Thanks for the kind words, and again, best of luck with your dahlias!

:)

Dee

Great! I’ll head over there, thank you!!