Hi jankay,

It looks like a nutrient deficiency to me. I suggest watering with a complete soluble nutrient formula like MiracleGro or BetterGro. Both can also be absorbed by foliar feeding, so I pour some on the leaves and let the run-off go to the roots.

I like the MiracleGro Tomato Food formula, because it has extra magnesium. But MiracleGro also has a Blooming Formula for plants in bloom, and so does BetterGro. The blooming formulas have extra phosphorous. Sometimes I mix formulas, but don't exceed a total of one tablespoon per gallon. Weaker dilutions applied more frequently are safer and more effective. Because petals are a sensitive part of the plant, use a one-quarter strength solution if it is going to drench the blooms themselves.

ZM

Zen-man,

I though you were way off base, but I did what you said and it has worked! These plants came back and are green and healthy. Oh me of little faith! Thanks for your help with this :-D

Jan

Cool update! FWIW, you should be able to save the tubers over winter, by either digging them up, or letting the pot dry. For either method, store in cool, dark, dry place until spring. To avoid confusion/disappointment when sold where not hardy, they're labeled as annuals.

Thank you so much, Tiffany :-D I'm in 8a, so dahlias should be hardy here, I think. Not sure I like them well enough to have them again though :-(.

Hi jankay,

I'm glad the nutes were the problem and that your annual dahlias are green and healthy again. You weren't so "of little faith" that you didn't try the foliar feeding, so you deserve the credit for the happy dahlias. I have been through the same problem with my zinnias, which are heavy feeders.

ZM