Knowledgebase

Dahlia fall on tubers? #890210

Asked November 23, 2024, 1:56 PM EST

What is the strange cream colored, slightly raised bumps on my Jowey Linda dahlia tubers? Two of the three have this issue. The third has normal smooth beige tubers. Is it a sign of gall? They don’t have the wild tiny stem growth at the base like some of my obviously infected tubers, so hoping they’re ok. My Jowey Linda plants all were strong producers of beautiful flowers though and I don’t want to throw them out if they’re not infected. The second picture is of one of my Radegast tubers. I can’t tell for sure if what I’m seeing is leafy gall, or just a new “eye” for next year. Can you help me identify? Thanks.

Anne Arundel County Maryland

Expert Response

We are not sure what the bumps are on the tuber in your first photo.
The "eyes" only form at the crown, not on the tubers.
We are not sure, but wonder that if the tubers were in very moist soil, maybe those bumps are the beginnings of adventitious roots.
Your second photo looks like a type of leafy gall.
You can compare and learn more here: 
https://www.dahlia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Galledfinal23-for-website.pdf


Christine

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