We're Through

This is one of the dahlias from which we took cuttings after hurrying it along in the propagator. During the last warmish spell, I planted them all outside, leaves and all, so that the tips of the leaves were about 2.5 cm (1 inch) below the soil surface. As you can see from the pinkish edges, this has done them no harm whatsoever.

These plants will now be as tough as old boots, and well able to withstand the cold. I don't cover them. If we get a severe frost, then this will only kill the leaves; they will re-grow from below.

Note how dry the soil is. I will not water them yet, to encourage them to form deep and extensive roots. This should save much work later on.

P.S. Those planted in March are just showing through. But they were put in much deeper. This warm spell should really speed things up.