Question
Hi Again with another question.  I have planted some miniture dahlias that came in the little divider trays at a nursery.  The same thing happened last year.  The plant looks healthy, however the buds never  open and the ends of the buds turn brown.  They are in the sun and I have kept them moist.  Any suggestions.  I used to grow the dinner plate dahlias and never had this problem.

Thanks again.

Maxine

Answer
Maxine,
Dahlias - small and large - do best when they are watered from below - if the buds get moist frequently they get a fungus and turn brown. I think that what is happening is that when you water the entire plant is getting moist.  Try to water so that the ground is splashed, not the plants, and always water in the morning so that the plants can dry in the sun and breezes before nightfall.  If the problem continues, try spraying with Serenade, an organic fungicide.

I hope this helps,
C.L.