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Hello and welcome back to The Cut Flower Podcast! In this special episode, I’m stepping into the shoes of an agony aunt, inspired by the wonderful Dolly Alderton. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be answering all your burning questions about growing flowers—whether for profit or pure pleasure. In today's episode, we kick off with the beloved dahlia and some common concerns you've sent in, including why they’re not blooming, how to prevent them from flopping, and whether it’s safe to leave them in the ground over winter.

I also share my advice on the best seeds to sow now for early spring blooms, how to sow undercover, and tips on transplanting seedlings. It’s all about helping you grow the most beautiful, vibrant flowers, whatever your situation.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we explore some of the most frequent questions about flower growing:

• Dahlias: Why they may not be blooming, how to keep them upright, and whether you should dig up tubers before winter.
• Seed Sowing: Which hardy annuals you can start undercover now, and the best practices for ensuring healthy growth.
• Transplanting: When and how to transplant your seedlings to avoid shock.

If you're looking for practical advice to keep your flowers thriving, this episode is packed with helpful tips.

Key Takeaways:

1. Sunlight is essential for dahlias: They need a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight to bloom well, so check their light exposure.
2. Staking dahlias early helps: To prevent flopping, stake larger varieties as soon as you plant them.
3. Seed sowing tips: Use well-draining soil and keep your seeds undercover until the frost risk passes.
4. Transplant carefully: Wait until seedlings have two sets of leaves before transplanting, and harden them off gradually.

I’d love to hear from you, so if you have any questions for future episodes, please drop me an email at roz@fieldgateflowers.co.uk with the subject line "Ask Roz." I’ll be picking questions from the Best Bunch membership, Growth Club, and our online courses too!

Thanks for joining me today – I can’t wait to hear your feedback on this new agony aunt style!

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