How to take dahlia cuttings with Ian and Liam Ledger

Ian and Liam Ledger are a father and son dahlia growing team from Sunderland.
They have put together this video for you, to show the various methods they use for taking cuttings and help make it easier for you to get going.
They have such a passion for dahlias. Especially growing exhibition giants and miniature cactus. Their knowledge for all types is extensive.
Hope you enjoy!

[@ianledger6819]

I normally turn the heat on very late December or early January. Cuttings are usually available from about mid Feb.

[@rhondavanmeter5015]

I am new to dahlias. It appeared that you cut through a dahlias tuber. Can I divide my tuber clumps in this way or do I need to separate each tuber after they have eyed up?

[@hmh3808]

So the bit of tuber u take w the cutting.... I thought that was the whole advantage of taking cuttings from sprouting eyes - that you’re getting a bit of the hormone and they root better than stem cuttings? But u lopped it off! ? So essentially you’re doing a stem cutting anyway, as you take it up to the next node, right? Aren’t you going to be out of luck if that tuber doesn’t produce any more eyes ?...or are you saying taking the first sprouts from the eyes stimulates it to create more....

[@ianledger6819]

There is no tuber taken with the cutting. The cutting is taken a couple of mls above tuber or up the stem. This cut will encourage new growth, normally 4 more shoots. As you say if you take tuber with the cutting you loose the growing eye. As with all dahlia growing, if it works for you keep on doing it and it works for us.

[@hertskoi]

May I ask why they get a white reserdue on leave ?

[@thenationaldahliasociety5444]

If its salt like its nothing to worry about, if it's powdery, that can be be powdery mildew. Treat with a fungicide or milk wash.

[@hertskoi]

@@thenationaldahliasociety5444 milk wash ? Just milk and water in spray bottle ?

[@thenationaldahliasociety5444]

@@hertskoi Yes. 60% water to 40% milk. I use a product called SB plant invigorator which is a good allrounder.

[@arthurfletcher4702]

Hi, When do you usually start your Tubers off and When do you take your cuttings.

[@ianledger6819]

Normally turn the heat on late December or early Jan. Cuttings ready mid to late Feb

[@arthurfletcher4702]

Thanks

[@Peter-gq4ww]

How much light do they need?

[@ianledger6819]

The answer will vary depending on you you ask. We tend to use lights from an hour before dawn and an hour after dusk. This gives the plants good light levels for the full day and a couple of hours longer. Others I know start the tubers off in the dark and take the cutting and root in the dark. As usual with dahlias if it works for you keep on doing it.

[@Dahlienprinz]

Und warum machen sie Stecklinge mit dem Skalpell ohne es nach jedem Schnitt zu desinfizieren? Das ist verantwortungslos weil dadurch Viren und Bakterien weitergegeben werden! Es ist besser die Stecklinge abzubrechen! Außerdem muss man Schnittstellen der Knolle mit Holzkohle oder ähnlichem versiegeln, damit keine Bakterien über die Wunde in die Dahlie eindringen. Sie müssen noch viel lernen.

[@jasonhahn4470]

Thank you for removing the music.