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Dahlia: Tuber Formation and Stalled Flowering
Dahlias are photoperiodic plants. Under long days, the plants produce leaves and flowers. The challenge with vegetatively propagated dahlias transplanted into the greenhouse in early spring, the days are not long enough until around March 15. Otherwise, top growth can stall, and if one digs around in the substrate, a tuber can be found. To keep the plants actively growing, they need to have day length extension lighting (>12 to 14 hours) or night interruption lighting.
The Cornell Flower Bulb Research Program published guidelines that have additional details:
Using Photoperiod to Manipulate Flowering and Tuberous Root Formation in Seed Dahlias
About the Author:
Brian E. Whipker is a professor of floriculture at North Carolina State University. He has an appointment split between extension and research, but also teaches the graduate level plant nutrition course at NC State. His specialization is plant nutrition, plant growth regulators, and problem diagnostics. He brings over 30 year of experience in diagnosing grower plant problems.
Brian Whipker
Professor, Horticulture, North Carolina State UniversityBrian E. Whipker is a professor of floriculture at North Carolina State University. He has an appointment split between extension and research, but also teaches the graduate level plant nutrition course at NC State. His specialization is plant nutrition, plant growth regulators, and problem diagnostics. He brings over 30 year of experience in diagnosing grower plant problems.