Dahlia (Compositae)

Dahlia are an important group of tuberous-
rooted plants of the family Compositae
(sunflower family). The forms used in gardens today originated from Mexico, Guatemala and Central America. The Spanish travelers brought a handful of tubers back to Madrid in the late 18th century.
The Swedish botanist Andreas Dahl, named them. In 1826, English plantsmen had hybridized nearly 60 kinds. Today there are over 1700 recognized varieties.
Dahlia are among plants that have evolved underground tuberous roots to store food and survive through adverse conditions. The first year a dahlia plant is grown from a seed, it will develop a branched tuberous root system that can be easily overwintered in cool storage.
The tuberous root can be replanted whole or split, making several plants. Each one of the tuberous roots attached to part of the stem will produce buds, from which new plants can grow. The buds will be formed at stem end or where the old stem was.
Dahlia thrive best in well-drained soil. They like plenty of water after beginning to bloom, but like roses and peonies, seem to resent “wet feet

Overwintering fuchsia & geranium

The contained plant can be overwintered in any dark, cool place that is 40° F and frost free. The soil must not be allowed to dry out.
Bring the plant indoors before the first frost is expected. Pruning the plant back prior to overwintering will reestablish a centrally located scaffold for new growth.
This will result in the formation of a full, compact plant when growth resumes. Remove
all the green and red stems, leaving the tan hardwood. Remove all the leaves. Water to keep the plant slightly moist but not wet during the winter.
Early next spring, perhaps as early as mid-to-late February, new growth should start appearing. When this happens,
increase moisture and return it to the growing conditions the plant prefers increased light and warmer temperatures.
When new growth starts, it will often produce single stem branches. If left to continue, this would result in a sparse, leggy plant. Pinching the growing
tips early will promote branching, and the result will be a plant that fills and covers the container.
There are various ways to overwinter geranium. One method is to pull plants from the garden and remove as much soil as possible. Hang the plants upside down in a plastic bag with holes, containing
wet peat moss, in a cool location.
They can also be left in the pot and treated like fuchsia.