The Lane County Dahlia Society will hold its November meeting Thursday, November 2nd at 7:00 PM at the Celeste Campbell Center, 155 High Street, Eugene. For our November program, we will explain and demonstrate how to dig, divide, and store your dahlia tubers. Come join us and watch seasoned members show the various methods used to divide and store tubers, so that you can multiple your favorite dahlia plants with ease! And you just might get to take home a free tuber or two as well! There will be door prizes and free refreshments. The meeting is free and open to the public. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a long-time L.C.D.S. member, we hope that you will join us!

The Lane County Dahlia Society will hold its November meeting Thursday, November 3rd at 7:30 PM at the Celeste Campbell Center, 155 High Street, Eugene. November's meeting topic will cover all of the steps involved in putting your dahlia garden to bed for the winter; Digging, Dividing, & Storing Tubers. We will have hands-on demonstrations by LCDS members, guiding you through all of the steps taken to successfully divide and store your tubers. This is always one of our most popular programs of the year, so plan to be there! There will also be door prizes and free refreshments. The meeting is free and open to the public. Mask wearing will continue to be optional. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a long-time L.C.D.S. member, we hope that you will join us!

November - It's time to lift up those Dahlia Clumps

 

As we begin November, it is time for the dahlia grower to begin lifting and dividing their dahlia clumps. In a “normal” year, the November program at the Lane County Dahlia Society meeting would focus on this important task, with live demonstrations. Because of COVID restrictions however, we will not be able to hold our November meeting. Instead, we hope the following instructions will help you successfully complete this task.

1.       The first step involves cutting down the dahlia stalk of each plant. Be sure that you have every  plant correctly identified and labeled first. Then simply cut off the stalk 3-6” above the ground. This task is best done a few days before you wish to lift the clumps. This will allow the eyes on the tuber crown to swell, which in turn will make dividing the tubers much easier.

2.       To lift the clumps, dig on all four sides of the clump, about a foot out from the stem.  When the fours sides have loosened, carefully push the shovel under the clump and gently lift. Once the clump has been lifted, use a garden hose to remove most of the soil.

3.       Sterilize your tools before you begin dividing. A solution of one part bleach to ten parts water is a very low-cost answer that kills the dahlia virus. Then cut off the remaining stalk. Look for the eyes near the crown and begin dividing. Each individual tuber must have an eye to grow the following year. After you cut off each individual tuber, remove any remailing soil.

4.       After dividing and cleaning the individual tubers, many growers let the tuber soak in a bleach solution for 5-10 minutes. Then label each tuber with the variety name and let them fully dry.

5.       After the individual tubers have dried, they are ready to be stored. There are several different storage methods, including wrapping the tubers in saran wrap or storing them in individual plastic boxes, filled with vermiculite or cedar shavings. No matter which method you choose, be sure once again that your tubers are clearly labeled.

6.       The last step is to house your carefully stored tubers in a location that is no warmer that 50 degrees but also will not dip below freezing all winter. Then you can sit back and enjoy the restful days of Winter.

 

·         For more in-depth instruction, we recommend visiting the American Dahlia Society web page at Digging, Dividing, and Storing Tubers – The American Dahlia Society

 

November Meeting

Our November dahlia meeting will be held Thursday, November 3rd at 7:30 PM at the Celeste Campbell Center, 155 High Street, Eugene. The topic of this meeting will be the proper digging, dividing, and storage of dahlia tubers. Society members will be set up at many work stations, giving hands-on demonstrations of tuber dividing. This is one of our most popular meetings of the year and we expect a large turnout. As always, the meeting is free and open to the public. We hope to see you there!

November Meeting

Our November dahlia meeting will be held Thursday, November 1st at 7:30 PM at the Celeste Campbell Center, 155 High Street, Eugene. The topic of this meeting will be the proper digging, dividing, and storage of dahlia tubers. Society members will be set up at many work stations, giving hands-on demonstrations of tuber dividing. This is one of our most popular meetings of the year and we expect a large turnout. As always, the meeting is free and open to the public. We hope to see you there!

November Meeting

Our November dahlia meeting will be held Wednesday, November 9th at 7:30 PM at the Celeste Campbell Center, 155 High Street, Eugene. The topic of this meeting will be the proper digging, dividing, and storage of dahlia tubers. Society members will be set up at many work stations, giving hands-on demonstrations of tuber dividing. This is one of our most popular meetings of the year and we expect a large turnout. As always, the meeting is free and open to the public. We hope to see you there!

November Meeting - Digging & Dividing

This past Thursday, The L.C.D.S. held its last meeting of the year. Although it was a very rainy night outside, 48 folks filled the Campbell Center. We began the evening with our business meeting, followed by our door prize. Sue P. brought a beautiful ceramic bowl and a large packet of Spring bulbs as the giveaway which was won by a very happy Terri M. The program began with an overview of the entire process of digging dahlia tubers, dividing them and then storing them for the Winter. Anne P., pictured above, gave a great talk. After delicious refreshments, provided by Gen H. & Suku A., the group divided around 5 demonstration tables.

Each group was lead by a knowledgeable L.C.D.S. members who had brought clean dahlia tuber clumps from their garden. Here Art R. demonstrates. Art's table was covered with healthy, large tuber clumps.

Above, Wayne S. shares his experience with eager participants. After each clump was divided by the demonstrators, observers were invited to take home a free tuber. This always is a hit with our visitors and members.

Above, first time demonstrator Eugene K. divides a clump. Besides dahlia tubers Eugene also brought a beautiful bouquet of "Snoho Dorris" which was a treat to see in November.

Above, Sonia Hall shares her advice to L.C.D.S. members. Sonja is a talented grower and hybridizer of anemone form dahlias.

The 5th table featured Michael C. demonstrating. Above, he gives advice as Sue P. tackles dividing a tuber clump.