How To Store Dahlia Tubers Over Winter
Dahlias are beautiful summer flowers with vibrant colors and exotic shapes. They are real sun lovers, but don't like the cold, dark days that have arrived. That's why it is important to dig up the tubers every fall in regions that experience sustained freezing temperatures. In this article, we will show you the best way to dig up and store your Dahlia tubers for the winter.
When To Store Dahlia Tubers
Dahlia flowers are very sensitive to frost. The flowers, foliage, and stems will turn quickly into a brown, slimy pile of mush when they experience the first heavy frost of the season. But don’t worry. This is part of the process; the frost signals to the tubers that it's time to prepare for the next growing season. The nutrients from the plant go back into the tubers. In conclusion, if you live in a cold climate in the North of the US, the best time to store the best-performing Dahlia tubers is two to a few weeks after the first heavy frost.
How To Store Dahlia Tubers Over Winter. A Step-By-Step Plan
You will need:
- Pruning shears
- Digging shovel or garden fork
- Clean knife
- Storage, such as cardboard boxes or plastic buckets
1. Cut Back Stalks
After two weeks of the first frost of the season appeared, it’s time to cut back the stalks. Leave a stump 3 inches (about 7.6 cm) long, so a couple of inches (centimeters) remain above the ground. Use clean pruning shears to avoid spreading viruses between plants. You can compost the leaves if you want.
2. Dig Up The Tubers
Use a digging shovel or garden fork to dig up the tubers. Be careful, as the dahlia tuber's neck is very fragile, and you can’t store damaged tubers. It’s best to work your way around the plant slowly. Lift the loose soil with the shovel or fork, grab the stalk and scoop up the bulb, carefully lifting the whole unit from the ground.
3. Examine And Trim The Tubers
After you dig up the tubers, it’s time to select the ones that are in the best condition. Examine the tubers and remove all the rotten parts. Next, let the tubers air dry for a few days in a spot out of direct sunlight and freezing temperatures. Shake off any excess dirt and trim back the root hairs.
4. Optional: Divide Tuber Clumps
When storing tubers, you can decide to divide them to save space. Identify the eyes, where the main stalk connects to the tuber. Use a clean knife (to avoid spreading viruses) and cut the individual tubers. Each tuber clump needs to have an eye and a small piece of the stem. Allow the ‘wounds’ to dry and create a callus before storage.
5. Store The Tubers
To store tubers over winter, make sure they are completely dry to prevent your tubers from rotting. Store the tubers in a dark, cold (not freezing!) location with good air circulation and moderate humidity. A basement, shed or garage with a temperature of 40-50ºF (4-10°C) is a good spot for storing Dahlias. Ensure there is enough ventilation and not let your tubers freeze.
The best storage options:
- Rather humid: A paper bag, wood or cardboard box to absorb some excess moisture.
- Quite dry: A trash bag, plastic bucket or tote. Ensure they don’t collect condensation, a sign of too much moisture.
Tip: For medium insulation, it is possible to store the Dahlia tubers with peat moss, wood shavings, vermiculite, newspaper, or potting mix. Choose the method that works best for you.
6. Check The Dahlia Tubers Regularly During Winter Storage
During the storage period, it is important to inspect the Dahlia tubers periodically. Remove any rotted, mushy tubers to prevent them from infecting the other tubers. Are they soft and shrivelled? Move them to a more humid location or lightly mist them with water. Do you spot a small amount of mold? Move the tubers to a drier place and remove the mold directly.
Read more: Overwintering Dahlias
Replant Dahlias In Spring
When the dark, cold and freezing winter months are over, and spring has arrived, it’s time to replant the Dahlia tubers in your garden. Follow the steps in our growing guide, ‘How to Grow Dahlias’.
Explore The Dahlia Collection At DutchGrown
At DutchGrown, you find quality size-1 tubers to ignite your passion for gardening and create enchanting floral wonderlands, from pastels to jewel tones. Discover our beautiful Dahlia collection with more than 85 varieties now. We start shipping all over the US by mid-March.
Frequently Asked Questions About Storing Dahlia Tubers
Washing Dahlia tubers before storing
Washing Dahlia tubers before storing them is optional. Some gardeners wash them with a garden hose to remove soil, insects, and potential diseases, which helps protect the tubers during storage. However, if washed, ensure they are thoroughly dried to prevent rot. If you choose not to wash them, gently brush off excess soil.
Storing Dahlia tubers for the winter
To store Dahlias effectively over winter, ensure they are completely dry, clean, and damaged-free. Place them in a dark, cool, and well-ventilated area. Regularly inspect them for rot or mold, adjusting humidity as needed.
