Lifting Dahlias

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I have just read Sid’s fearful February blog about his Dahlias. Hope everything went well, Sid.
Dahlias are my favourite flowers but in recent years, (Former) Head Gardener Elaine has controlled the flower beds, leaving me to manage the veg patch in my limited time. Now retired – and frequently bored – I am surreptitiously easing my way into the beds, trying not to tread on her toes (or her plants – volcanic eruptions have been known!). I don’t aspire to taking over completely – someone has to do the weeding!
A number of years ago she granted me a small area to plant two Dahlias I had acquired and this year I have annexed a little more space to add two new varieties. More will surely follow. The original two have never been lifted. They have been well protected and have thrived each Summer. However, this year, although there have been plenty of blooms, most have been smaller than usual. A friend told me this week that this can occur if left in the ground for too long and that, ideally they should be lifted, a least periodically.
Is there a GoYer out there who can tell me if there is any truth in this, please?

• 26 Sep, 2009
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