Dahlias & Gladiolas in pots

hierophant wrote: ↑ I have dahlia and gladiola bulbs - I'm thinking of growing them in pots because I know I'm going to have trouble finding them in falls to dig up. Has anyone here done this? Were you successful?

I've also read using soil with polymer crystals helps with container plants but all the brand names are in the US - does anyone know what brand has them here?

OttawaGardener wrote: ↑ I haven't had a lot of luck growing the larger dahlias in planter boxes... they seem to do better for me in the ground. But the shorter and dwarf ones would be fine. Perhaps because I use a soil-less mix in pots and planters, which isn't as firm a base for the tubers to take hold? I did stake them, but they just seemed unhappier in pots, lol.

fotoapparat wrote: ↑ I grew both last year in large pots (20-30 litre). We grow Dahlias mixed with other plants in planters. You have to deadhead and groom to keep them lower - which is what we wanted. I found the flower heads are heavy and both spill/flow over the edge of the pot and sit at a mid level. We add low level growth, like Coleus, and something taller. It looks good. Dahlias, when they are deadheaded, pump out the flowers.

Glads - I planted ~ 30 bulbs in one planter. We didn't get a ton flowers, maybe ~25-35% bloomed. They were planted a bit late, so might be the issue. The foliage was awesome though. I think I would do it again just to get the foliage, mixed with something that is shorter and flowers better.

fotoapparat wrote: ↑ Glads I wouldn't bother to start indoors. Dahlias, yes. Dahlias will do well if you have a sunny spot to start them, or grow lights. You get a bushier plant when you deadhead. Don't just cut the flower off, but cut back to a node. The plant will then grow side shoots, which will in turn flower. Cut the side shoot back to a lower node, and it will split again. You'll get a very bushy plant, that is shorter than if you just left it to grow on its own. Remember, depending on the variety, Dahlias can be tall (4-6) feet. But if you keep cutting back after flowering, you'll be on the short end of that.

Upside of cutting back, is you'll get more flowers.

Good luck. Best part about gardening is just giving it a go. If you have tubers, plant one now inside and plant another direct in the garden in May. See what happens. Then, next year, repeat what worked best.

hierophant wrote: ↑ Thank you! This is awesome advice! What are your thoughts on planting one of the tubers in a pot but leaving it outside on a covered patio deck? Would it be protected enough from the frost?

Also if anyone has advice on how to repel chipmunks and squirrels from digging up my hanging and potted flowers I would greatly appreciate it.

hierophant wrote: ↑ Thank you! This is awesome advice! What are your thoughts on planting one of the tubers in a pot but leaving it outside on a covered patio deck? Would it be protected enough from the frost?

Also if anyone has advice on how to repel chipmunks and squirrels from digging up my hanging and potted flowers I would greatly appreciate it.