SEPTEMBER EXTRA 2019 birdsandblooms.com 55
BACKYARD CHAT
HARRY ADAM/ISTOCK
Q Isittoolatein
theyeartoplantliatris
cormsanddahlia
tuberousroots?
BarbaraGiese
MANITOWOC,WISCONSINAsk the Experts
Melinda: It’s best to plant liatris corms in spring or early
summer. You could either store them for winter or try
planting them this fall with other spring-flowering bulbs. If
you decide to plant them now, wait for the soil to cool so the
corms do not sprout this year. Your dahlias have to wait —it’s
too late to plant them outside. The plants won’t have time
to sprout, grow and replenish energy before the first frost
in your area. You could try growing the dahlias inside but
most homes do not have sufficient light. I suggest storing the
dahlia tuberous roots and liatris corms in a cool, dark location
for winter. Pack them in peat moss to prevent the bulbs
from drying out. If they’re still firm and plump after the cold
season has passed, plant them in spring.What to plant in fall, how to evict wasps and other backyard tips.
Dahlia