Dahlias: Saving the Dahlia Tubers, 2 by ridoodles

ridoodles wrote:
Hi all I am new to the forums on dahlias, seems like you all have so much knowledge. Can I ask a few questions?
I have some that I stored in my basement ( not heated per se, but it does have the washer & furnace in it) so I store them far away from the furnace.oposite side of the room , near a wall right near my garage.
I am in RI zone 5b...
Every year I usually do OK...This year I lost about 50% , they were all dried out...the other 50% did fine...but some had sprouts..some not.
They were stored in paper bags in boxes.

Is it necessary to plant with sprouts and what is best way to encourage this? before planting in dirt for the season.
Do I split the large clump of tubers into many tubers? Can I cut them up? Is this where they will sprout...
My clumps are quite large as I am afraid of splitting them up into separate small ones..
I hope this isn't too confusing...thank you in advance..
Martha

This message was edited May 2, 2012 11:06 PM