Dianne -- Were the tubers from last year the same ones you've used in previous years, or were they "new"? Was there anything different about their growing conditions last year than in previous years?

Pam,
They were a mix of fresh tubers, dahlias in pots from the nursery, and ones that popped up on their own, planted by the previous homeowner. The strongest plants were the ones that the homeowner left behind. As far rain, last year, was my first full summer here. So I don't have a history to compare it to. I thought we had a hot and dry spring and early summer. My water bill proved it! My yard is mostly shady but this one area does receive ample sunshine. Work in Progress........Thanks..... Dianne

Dig them up & divide them up & plant single tubers. If they have been in the ground for a couple of years they get weak, leggy & fewer blooms. They need to be divided at least every other year- ideal is every year. Fungicide is necessary if you have black spots - some of the mildew mold can be controlled with a spraying of skim milk - & be sure to snip off the bottom leaves as the summer goes on to improve circulation in the bed & prevent mildew.

Plantlady2
Thank you for responding. From your profile you sound like a Dahlia Master!. My previous gardens never had these problems. For 10 years I always dug them up in the fall and replanted in the spring. They were beautiful. Last spring when I did the planting I didn't have any old tubers to plant. We moved here in mid August and I could not dig any up to take with me. Everything was bought fresh, except the ones that grew from the previous owner. I was digging around in the beds over the weekend. I found allot of holes and tunnels. Maybe Moles/Voles were the demise of the dahlias last season. This spring I decided to only plant the dahlias in large pots to see if it makes a difference. I hate to give up on such beautiful flowers! Thanks.......Dianne