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What to do with dahlias in the winter


How to Overwinter Dahlias

Dahlias are at their best in late summer and fall, when the plants are mature and pumping out tons of blooms. But before the first frost, you have a decision to make. Will you treat your dahlias as annuals and plant a fresh batch of tubers next spring, or save the tubers from your favorite varieties and grow them again next year? If you want to try your hand at overwintering some tubers, read on for step-by-step instructions.

To Dig or Not to Dig

Dahlias are are warm climate plants and they do not tolerate freezing temperatures. If you live in hardiness zones 8-10, where winter temperatures rarely fall below 20° F, the soil provides enough insulation to protect the tubers and it's safe to leave them right in the ground. In late fall, simply cut the plants back to several inches above soil level. They will start growing again in spring.

Dahlia tubers may survive a mild winter outdoors in zone 7 (as long as the soil is well drained and the area is thickly mulched). But in most of zone 7 and in all of zones 3-6, dahlia tubers must be dug up and stored indoors.

For this task you need pruning shears, a shovel or digging fork, survey tape and marker, damp growing mix, and either big nursery pots, black plastic trash bags, paper bags or large boxes. Here's how to do it:

How to Dig and Store the Tubers

1. LABEL. Start by labeling your plants with survey tape (plastic plant labels are too easily lost). Be sure to do this BEFORE you get a frost so you can still see the flowers and evaluate which plants you want to keep. Save only the plants that are strong and healthy, and that really impressed you. There are tons of great dahlias out there and no reason to grow underwhelming ones.

2. CUT BACK. After the first hard frost, try to leave the tubers in the ground for a week or two. While waiting isn't essential, it does help to toughen the skin of the tubers. Don't cut down the plants until right before you dig them. This way water won't accumulate in the hollow stems. When you're ready to dig, cut back all of the stems to within 3-4” of the ground. Re-tie the labels as needed, so they are securely attached. If your dahlias were grown in containers, skip down to the section on packing and storage.

3. DIG. Dig up each root ball, starting at least a foot away from the stem. Depending on the size of the plant, the root ball may be 12” to 18” across and equally deep. Go slowly and be gentle, as the tubers are extremely brittle. During storage, damaged tubers are more susceptible to decay.

4. DRY. If possible, let the clumps air dry for a day or two. But make sure they are protected from frost. Tubers may be divided at this point, or you can wait and do it during the winter or early next spring. If you plan to divide your tubers later, there's no need to wash soil off the clumps. Just store the entire root ball as it came out of the ground. The soil gives them some natural protection from damage and rot. If you want to divide the tubers now (which will save on space if that's an issue) skip ahead to the dividing instructions below.

Packing and Storing Your Dahlias

5. PACK. If you are not dividing the root balls until spring, you can store them in several ways. You can put them in large nursery pots with barely damp potting soil. Or store them in ventilated cardboard boxes or large plastic storage tubs that are partially filled with growing mix, peat moss or vermiculite. Another option is to store several clumps together in a large black plastic trash bag.

Once your dahlias are in storage, the goal is to retain enough moisture to prevent the tubers from shriveling, but allow enough air circulation to avoid rot. This means keeping the tops of the storage tubs or plastic bags loose. The humidity level in your storage area makes a difference, so it may take a few seasons to arrive at the best solution. If the storage area is relatively humid, start with paper bags and boxes. If dry, go with tubs or plastic bags.

6. STORE. Store the pots, boxes or bags in a cool, dark, humid place where the temperature will stay between 40 and 50 degrees F. An unheated basement works well in the coldest climates. In zones 5 and 6 you may be able to keep them in an attached garage. Just make sure there's no chance that the tubers will freeze. A frozen tuber is a dead tuber.

 7. CHECK. Check on your dahlias periodically through the winter. If the storage conditions are too moist, you may get some mushy tubers. Remove them and increase the ventilation to reduce moisture levels. If the tubers are wrinkled and dry, mist them or add some damp growing mix to help them rehydrate.

Tips for Dividing and Replanting

In late winter or very early spring, pull out your dahlias and discard any tubers that are soft or have completely dried out. Then it's time to start dividing the root balls into manageable-sized clumps. If you want to skip dividing and simply replant an entire clump, go ahead. Otherwise, read on.

When dividing a clump of dahlia tubers, each division must wind up with one or more growth eyes. These eyes occur in a very specific location. In the photo below, some of the eyes have begun to sprout, so it's easy to see how they are clustered on the knobby part where the tuber is attached to the stem. No matter how good a tuber looks, if it doesn't have at least one eye, it will not grow a plant.

It takes practice to see the eyes, and dividing clumps of tubers can be intimidating. If you wait until early spring, some of the eyes will start to swell and sprout. This makes it easier to see where to make the cuts. To be on the safe side, you can simply divide large root balls into halves or quarters. Cut down through the middle of the clump, making sure to leave some of last year’s stem attached to each division.

To learn more, you can watch this video on our YouTube channel: How to Overwinter Dahlia Tubers, or read some of the following articles on our website: All About Dahlias, How to Pinch and Stake Dahlias, How to Plant Dahlias (video), and Dahlias: 8 Great Looks.

Learn More:

How To Overwinter Dahlias (Storing Dahlia Tubers & Winter Care Tips)

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Overwintering dahlias is not hard, and it’s well worth the effort to keep them year after year. In this post, I’ll show you three methods to try, as well as when and how to dig up the tubers, instructions for storing them, winter care tips, and much more.

No matter where you live, you can easily keep dahlias over winter, and regrow them every year. Even if you live in a frozen tundra like I do here in Minnesota.

Thank goodness, because I love dahlias. They are a gorgeous addition to my summer garden, and they add such a cool tropical feel.

 

Overwintering dahlias is not only convenient, it’s a huge money saver too. It means that you don’t have to buy new ones every spring. Woohoo!

Below I’m going to walk to you through three different methods of saving dahlias tubers over winter. I’ll tell you everything you need to know, and make it super simple for you.

Table of Contents

Will Dahlias Survive The Winter?

Believe it or not, dahlias can survive the winter as long as you use the right method to overwinter them.

Though most people buy them as annuals, they are tender perennials. That means they can live for many years in the warmer areas of zones 8 and above.

But if you live in a cold climate like I do, they won’t survive through the winter outside. So we must bring them indoors if we want to keep them.

Related Post: How To Overwinter Plants: The Complete Guide

Dahlias blooming in my summer garden

Methods Of Overwintering Dahlias

When it comes to overwintering dahlias, you have three options to choose from. I will describe each method in detail in the section below.

  1. Leaving dahlias in the ground over winter
  2. Overwintering dahlias in pots
  3. Digging and storing dahlia tubers for winter

How To Overwinter Dahlias

Deciding which method to use for keeping dahlias over winter will depend on where you live, and also where you planted them.

1. Leaving Dahlias In The Ground Over Winter

If you live in zone 8 or higher, then you can leave your dahlias in the ground over winter. They will stay alive and continue to bloom year round in frost-free areas.

But the foliage will die back and the tubers will go dormant if the air temperature gets below freezing. In that case, cut the plant all the way down to the ground once it dies.

Some people in as low as zone 7 have been able to leave them in the ground in either a warm microclimate in their yard, or by giving them extra winter protection. They will survive long as the ground never freezes.

2. Overwintering Dahlias In Pots

You can leave dahlias in pots over winter too. If you want to try this method, then leave them outside until frost has killed the foliage.

Leaving them outside when the weather cools down in the fall will trigger dormancy. Once the leaves die, cut them back to the soil level, and move the container indoors before freezing temperatures arrive.

If a hard freeze is in the forecast, move the container into an unheated garage or shed to protect them.

The goal is to keep the pot cool enough so that the plant will go dormant before bringing it inside, but the bulbs won’t freeze.

3. Digging & Storing Dahlia Tubers For Winter

The most popular method of overwintering dahlias is digging up and storing the tubers. If yours are planted in the garden, then this is the method you’ll need to use. Don’t worry, it’s simple.

As the weather cools down in the fall, they will start to naturally go dormant. You can leave them in the ground until they are completely dormant, or wait until the first hard frost kills the plant.

There’s no rush to get them out, which is part of what I love about them. However, you’ll definitely need to lift them before the ground freezes.

Related Post: How To Store Bulbs For The Winter

Dahlia Rigletto planted in the ground

Preparing Dahlias For Winter Storage

If your dahlias are in the ground, then follow these tips for when and how to dig them up and prepare them for winter storage.

When To Dig Up Dahlias

The good news is that you have a lot of time to dig up your dahlias. They are very forgiving, and the tubers won’t be hurt by frost.

The best time to lift the bulbs is after frost has killed the plant, but before the ground freezes. Exposing them to cold temps will trigger them to naturally go dormant, so it’s much easier to store them.

How To Lift Dahlia Tubers

To lift dahlia tubers, I like to use a garden fork, but a spade shovel would work too. In order to avoid cutting or damaging the bulbs, start digging at least a foot away from the center stem.

After you pop them out, gently shake off any excess dirt, and then cut off the stem and leaves.

There’s no need to rinse the dirt off or split the bulbs apart. Just leave them in one large clump with a little bit of soil, and they’re ready for winter storage.

Drying Dahlia Tubers Before Overwintering

Before storing dahlia tubers for winter, you should cure (dry them) first. That way there’s less risk of them rotting or molding.

Allow large clumps to dry for at least a week, and smaller bulbs only for a few days. To do that, spread them out on a shelf or the ground in a cool, dry location – I cure mine in the garage.

Curing my dahlia tubers before storing and overwintering them

How To Store Dahlia Tubers Over Winter

Below I’ll give you the steps for how to overwinter dahlia tubers, and where to store them. If yours is in a pot, then you can skip the section about packing them, and just store them right in their container.

Packing Dahlia Bulbs For Storage

After digging and curing your dahlia tubers, it’s time to pack them up for storage. Some people have great success just tossing them into a paper bag, or loosely wrapping them in newspaper.

But smaller ones can dry out that way. So instead, I pack mine in a cardboard box filled with peat moss or coco coir.

You could use a similar packing material like pet bedding, sawdust, or a mix of vermiculite and perlite if you prefer. Any of those would work great too.

Place individual bulbs or clumps into the box so they aren’t touching each other, then completely cover them with packing material. As long as they aren’t touching, you can layer several tubers in one box.

Whatever you do, don’t use plastic bags or containers to store them. If they are kept too wet they will likely rot or get moldy.

Where To Store Dahlia Tubers

Where you store dahlia tubers for winter is important. Keep them in a cool, dark, and dry location that stays above freezing.

Ideally, the temperature range should stay between 50-60°F. If it’s too warm or cold, your bulbs could rot. Good options are a heated garage, unfinished basement, a cool closet, or root cellar if you have one.

My dahlia tubers packed in a box and ready for winter storage

Dahlia Winter Care Tips

Besides keeping them from getting too hot or cold, there’s not much you need to do to care for dormant dahlias over winter.

It’s a good idea to check on them every so often to make sure they aren’t drying out too much, or staying too wet. If you find any that are molding, then discard them so it won’t spread to the others.

On the other hand, if they seem to be drying out too much, then you can spritz them with water to rehydrate them a bit. Just make sure they aren’t too wet.

Replanting Dahlia Tubers After Overwintering

When you successfully overwinter dahlias, you might find that you’re very antsy to get them replanted in the spring. But hold on! In order for them to survive, you must do it at the right time.

When To Plant Dahlias

You should wait to plant dahlia bulbs until after all chance of frost is gone, and the ground has warmed up in spring or early summer.

Take care not to plant them too early, or they may not grow. Ideally the ground temperature should be at least 60°F (you can use a soil thermometer to check it).

How To Prepare Dahlia Bulbs For Planting

There isn’t anything special you need to do to prepare dahlia bulbs for planting. Many people have success pulling the dormant tubers out of storage, and planting them directly into the ground.

However, to wake them up faster, you could soak them in warm water first. I like to soak mine in a compost tea solution to help break dormancy, and give them a little extra boost. But this step is completely optional.

Starting Dahlia Tubers Indoors

If you’re too impatient to wait until it’s warm enough outside, you can start dahlia tubers indoors 4-6 weeks before you want to plant them.

Pot them up into a container that has drainage holes, give them a good drink of water, and place them in a warm and sunny location. Using a heat mat will help them break dormancy faster.

A magenta dahlia flower in my garden

FAQs About Overwintering Dahlias

Below I will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about overwintering dahlias. If you can’t find your answer here, ask about it in the comments below.

Can dahlias grow indoors over winter?

While you certainly can grow dahlias indoors over winter, it’s fairly difficult to keep them thriving. They need a lot of sunlight, and are prone to bugs infestations.

You’ll likely find that it’s much easier to overwinter dahlias in their dormant state, rather than trying to keep them alive indoors.

Can you overwinter dahlias in pots?

Yes, you can overwinter dahlias in pots, and it is very easy. Once frost has killed the plant, simply cut it back, bring the container inside, and store it in a cool, dry place until spring.

Can you leave dahlias in the ground over winter?

Yes, you can leave dahlias in the ground over winter if you live in zones 8 or higher. As long as the ground doesn’t freeze, they will survive just fine outside.

How long can you store dahlia tubers?

You can store dahlia tubers for several months without any problem. However, if you store them for too long, they will eventually dry out and die. So it’s best to replant them every year, even if you can’t get to it until later in the summer.

Overwintering dahlias and storing the tubers is very easy, and a great way to save yourself some cash. Plus you’ll be able to keep your favorite varieties for many years to come.

If you want to learn all you need to know in order to successfully keep plants alive thorough the darkest and coldest months of the year, then you need my Winter Houseplant Care eBook. It will show you exactly how to keep indoor plants thriving no matter what the weather is outside. Download your copy today.

Most Posts About Overwintering Plants

Share your tips for overwintering dahlia tubers in the comments below.

When to dig up dahlias and how to store tubers in winter at home

Dahlia is a favorite of many gardeners, its luxurious flowers of different shapes and shades can decorate any area. Despite the fact that the plant is native to South America, keeping dahlias for the winter is not difficult if you create the right conditions.

In order for dahlias to bloom in the new season, it is important to arrange a warm winter for the tubers. You can’t leave them in the soil, because. after the first severe cold, the plants turn black and die.

In August, when dahlias are in full bloom, you need to stop feeding, providing the plants with rest. Just at this time, the formation of tubers and their storage of nutrients begins.

Autumn care for dahlias - preparation for winter

Now let's figure out how to prepare dahlias for winter. In early September, the bushes need to be fairly high up (approximately 8-12 cm high). This will make them more resistant to wind and cover the base of the trunk, which means that the tubers will grow strong. In general, the procedure can be carried out at the end of summer.

Dahlias should be watered sparingly so that excess moisture does not lead to infection. Weak stems without buds, lower leaves, as well as drying flowers should be cut off to speed up the formation of new buds.

When to dig up dahlias

Dahlias are dug up in the middle lane and Moscow region in mid-late October, depending on the weather. It’s good when, by the time of digging, the heaped tubers have already withstood several weak frosts - this will harden them and help them to endure wintering at home without any problems.

So how do you keep dahlias in winter? First of all, cut off all the stems with secateurs, leaving stumps 10-15 cm high. If you cut the stems lower, there is a danger of infection entering the tubers. Also, if the height of the “hemp” is insufficient, water can flow into the tubers, and they simply begin to rot.

Then carefully loosen the shrub and dig in with a fork to loosen the surrounding soil. It is also better to raise the dahlia with a pitchfork, trying not to pull the stems. If the weather permits, then the dug tubers can be left to dry in the garden for several hours, after which the earth must be shaken off and the tubers themselves carefully examined.

Weak and diseased tubers are discarded, and strong tubers are thoroughly washed with water. Cut long roots with scissors

It is better to divide the tubers strictly before planting, otherwise they will lose a lot of moisture during the winter.

Treatment of dahlia tubers before winter storage

To prevent diseases, treat washed dahlia tubers with a fungicide, such as Fitosporin. Prepare the solution according to the instructions and soak the tubers in it for about an hour. Instead of fungicides, you can also use a pink solution of potassium permanganate. Keep the tubers in it for about 30 minutes.

Then tag the tubers with variety names. If the variety is unknown, you can focus on the size of the bush, the shape or color of the flowers.

The next step in preparing dahlias for winter is drying the tubers. To do this, you need to choose a dark, cool place and put the bushes with the tubers up so that the moisture accumulated in the stems flows out and the tubers do not subsequently rot.

How to store dahlias in winter at home

Dried dahlia tubers are placed tightly in plastic buckets or boxes and covered with dry sand or sawdust, leaving the tops of the stems with tags uncovered. To prevent sand from spilling out of the box, you can lay a bag of sugar on the bottom, and then lay out a layer of newspapers.

Gardeners differ a little on how to preserve dahlia tubers, with some using wet sand instead of dry sand. Everything is individual here, and if the tubers were dug out in dry weather, and then not soaked in a fungicide solution, then sand or sawdust is really better to moisten.

There are several other ways to store dahlia tubers in the winter:

How to keep dahlias until spring? Choosing a storage location

The optimum temperature for storing dahlias in winter is 3-6°C, humidity is 60-70%. At lower temperatures, the tubers will freeze, at high temperatures, they will begin to germinate. There are several places where plants will feel comfortable until spring.

Cellars and cellars . They are characterized by high humidity and low temperature. The tubers will not suffer from drying out and will not germinate ahead of time. This is the best place to store dahlias!

Subcol . Here, the humidity is lower than in the basement, and the temperature can be slightly higher, often there is stagnation of air. Therefore, it is recommended to turn on the fan in the room several times a week.

Refrigerator . A suitable place for a small number of dahlias. Put the tubers in a perforated bag and cover with sawdust. Check regularly for rotting. For storage, the lower or middle shelf is suitable, as well as a compartment for vegetables.

Glazed balcony . Choose the darkest place and put a box of tubers in it. If the temperature starts to drop, cover the crate with old blankets or clothes. In frost, it is better to transfer the tubers to the room for a while.

Periodically check the tubers for signs of decay.

Protect the dahlias from being eaten by rodents. It is better to use fast-acting poison baits or ultrasonic repellers. There is evidence that mice and rats do not tolerate peppermint essential oil. To scare away, soak paper napkins with oil, put in glass jars without lids and place them in different corners of the room or near boxes with tubers. Once a week, change the napkins for new ones.

Is it possible not to dig up dahlias for the winter

Novice flower growers often ask themselves the question: is it necessary to dig up dahlias for the winter, is there any way to avoid this troublesome procedure? Unfortunately, these plants are very afraid of the cold and will not survive until spring. But there is a way out. If storing dahlias in winter is problematic for you, grow them as annuals. Or you can dig up only the most beloved and expensive varieties, and re-plant the rest in the spring. The decision is yours!

Storage of dahlia tubers is not difficult, but responsible, because you need to look after the "wintering" plant: check the tubers, regulate the temperature regime. The dahlia will not remain in debt, but will delight you with its lush bright flowering!

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at home, in the cellar or basement

Dahlias look surprisingly luxurious and elegant in the autumn garden. And if you value your magnificent flowers, then you probably know that in order to recreate all this beauty for the next year, you need to take care of digging and laying dahlia tubers for storage already now, in the second half of autumn.

About when and how best to dig up dahlias, how to properly prepare them for storage, as well as various storage methods, we will talk in this article.

Content

, comes after a few weak frosts (frosty nights) have passed, and their tops turn black. This will be a kind of hardening for tubers, which in the future will have a positive effect on their wintering at home.

Important! Dahlia bushes should not be rushed to dig up, especially when they are still green, which means they can transfer nutrients to their rhizomes so that they ripen well and are better prepared for winter.

However! It is not recommended that dahlias remain "blackened" for a long time after several frosts. Because of this, rotting processes near the root collar may begin, and then gradually move on to tubers.

Thus, with regard to the approximate timing of the digging of dahlia tubers, then, for example, in the Middle lane (Moscow region) - this is the second half of October. Naturally, the weather conditions themselves will tell you more accurate and correct dates.

By the way! Many flower growers recommend lightly spudding dahlias before the first frost.

Video: when to dig up and how to save dahlias in winter

How to properly dig up dahlias0068

A few tips and tricks for digging up dahlias in the form of step-by-step instructions:

  • Select dry fine day .
  • Trim all stems with garden shears, leaving 10-20 cm stumps. Although some summer residents do this after digging.

Please note! Do not cut the stems too low, otherwise the tubers may become infected or water can seep in, causing them to rot.

  • It is necessary to dig directly , stepping back a fairly significant distance from the bush (20-25 centimeters), and it is desirable to dig from all sides , especially if the earth is wet. In this case, it is optimal to use a pitchfork, and not a shovel, because. it can accidentally chop off large tubers.

Important! If you place a shovel or fork too close to a bush, you may damage the tubers as they diverge to the sides.

  • After you dig into the bush, the dahlia rhizomes will most likely sit in a fairly large earthy coma. In order not to damage, first it is desirable to clean them from part of the earth , and then carefully drag by the stems or lift them with a shovel (fork).

Attention! Even if you prune the stems (especially if you decide not to prune), in no case should you pull hard on the stem to pull the dahlias out of the ground after you dig the bush, because the isthmus that is between the root collar and tubers, it can simply break off. The fact is that the buds of most varieties of dahlias originate precisely on the root neck, which means that you can simply “kill” your plant.

  • Further, the already pulled out rhizomes should be cleaned from the ground as much as possible . If necessary, they need to be additionally rinsed in water, especially if you have clay soil that sticks strongly to the rhizomes. But, if your soil is sandy, then the earth itself will quickly fly around with further drying.

Tip! If you have chosen a fine sunny day, then let the tubers dry in the open air , and then you can easily shake off the remaining soil.

Worth knowing! There is an opinion that it is not necessary to clean the tubers from the ground so that they do not dry out. But if you do not do this, then rot or mechanical damage may remain under the dirt, which must be processed before storage, otherwise the rhizomes will simply rot later.

  • Now you need to cut with scissors or secateurs all the thin roots that grow from the tubers so that they do not disappear during storage.

Tip! This must be done just before drying, so that all wounds have time to completely heal and dry.

  • If you find a few green sprouts , then they need to be broken out, and should be broken out with your hands at the base of , tilting to the side, and not cut off.

Video: when to dig up dahlias and how to store them without a cellar on the balcony in an apartment0068

Having completely cleaned (washed) the rhizomes from the ground, you can find rot on the tubers. However, they can still be saved, you just need to completely get rid of all the rot, carefully cutting off to healthy tissue and cleaning it with a knife. Then it is recommended to treat the tubers with special preparations . Moreover, it is desirable to additionally cover the sections with brilliant green (or crushed charcoal) , so that the infection certainly cannot spread.

Another thing is if it is overgrowth virus , the presence of which can be determined by a huge number of fairly large buds on the root neck (just a whole bunch or bunch), which are in an awakened state. Unfortunately, this viral disease is not treated, and will have to part with the tubers. Moreover, they will need to be removed from site or burned . Do not leave or bury in the garden as the disease can spread.

How to prepare dahlia tubers for storage: processing and drying

In order to avoid the threat of death of dahlia tubers during a long cold and possibly rainy period, it is extremely necessary to prepare them for storage, namely to process and dry.

Treatment of tubers

Before storage, many gardeners recommend treating dahlia tubers in special preparations to prevent diseases. Most commonly used fungicide "Maxim" or "Fitosporin". And in the old fashioned way, you can prepare p an ozic solution of potassium permanganate . Rhizomes are kept in one of these solutions for 20-30 minutes or sprayed from a spray bottle from all sides.

It is also recommended to treat with brilliant green all cuts of (including roots and stem).

Tip! If the rhizomes are healthy, did not get sick before and you did not have any problems with dahlias, then you can not process them.

Tuber drying

As a rule, 2-4 days are enough to dry dahlia rhizomes.

Tip! Do not dry for too long (more than a week), otherwise the tubers may become very wrinkled.

As for the place to dry, it is best to put the dahlias under a canopy in dry weather (but not in direct sunlight), in the same greenhouse or in any dry room (for example, in the attic). Moreover, it is desirable to place the rhizomes upside down so that all the moisture flows out of them (from the stems).

Video: how to prepare dahlias for storage

Is it necessary to divide dahlia rhizomes and is it worth it before storage

if you plant overgrown dahlia rhizomes with many tubers on them, then a giant bush with many stems will grow. Due to such thickening, the plant will simply lack light, that is, it will obscure itself, which means that flowering will be very weak and rare.

However, before storing the division procedure is not recommended , because this is too much stress for the plant. This is why most growers split dahlias exactly before planting in the spring.

Where and how to properly store dahlias in winter

When storing dahlias in winter, an important role is played by the storage location, suitable conditions, and the chosen storage method.

Tip! Don't forget to attach the tags to your varietal dahlias before placing the mortgage.

Place and storage conditions for tubers (temperature and humidity)

The best place to store dahlias in winter is a cool cellar or basement . At the same time, temperature must necessarily be positive , because rhizomes do not tolerate even minimal sub-zero temperatures. Optimally - + 2 ... + 5 degrees, but more "warm" temperature conditions up to 10-12 degrees are also suitable. It is also very important that indoors there was no high humidity (no more than 75-80%), due to which the roots may sprout or become moldy.

By the way! In addition to the cellar and basement, a vestibule or a glazed loggia , a balcony will do if the temperature is low but positive there.

As a container for storing dahlia tubers, it is optimal to use cardboard boxes (if you do not overfill them with anything) or boxes , on the bottom of which you can lay a newspaper. Also, additional tubers can be wrapped in paper or put in paper bags.

Important! What definitely cannot be stored in dahlias is in plastic or plastic bags, in which the rhizomes simply suffocate and rot.

However! If there are special ventilation holes in the bags, then it is quite possible to store tubers in them.

If you took for storage diseased tubers (pre-treated), then it is better to wrap them additionally with paper or even put separately from healthy rhizomes.

Tuber storage methods

There are a lot of methods for storing dahlias, so each grower chooses the one that suits him (his possibilities and conditions).

The most popular winter storage methods for dahlias are:

  • Cover with dry sawdust, ash or sand.

Important! If the roots begin to noticeably dry out during storage and the tubers begin to shrivel (can be checked by hand), the sawdust/sand can be lightly sprinkled with water.

Sawdust

Please note! Storage in damp sand or sawdust is not recommended as there is a high probability of rotting, which is much worse than if the tubers dry out slightly (in this case, it will be easy to restore them in a solution of one of the growth stimulants).

However! Some gardeners recommend lightly shedding the sawdust with a 1% solution of copper sulphate or Bordeaux liquid beforehand so that they become slightly damp, but not wet. This treatment will protect the tubers during storage from various rot.

  • Similar to sand, sawdust or ashes, you can use sphagnum moss (you can find it on the shore of the swamp or buy it in a store). In addition, it has bactericidal properties and protects tubers from rotting.
  • Quite often the tubers are sprinkled with vermiculite , which perfectly protects against temperature and humidity fluctuations.
  • In paraffin. In this case, you can simply put them in boxes and store at home . True, in this case they will have to be divided first.

By the way! The paraffin shell perfectly protects the tubers from drying out, and the hot treatment destroys most pathogens.

Video: how to wax dahlia tubers

  • Can also be stored in refrigerator (on the bottom shelf, which is for vegetables), previously wrapped in thick paper.
  • Some summer residents dip tubers in the same way as waxing in a clay masher , and then dry for 2-3 days before putting it in for winter storage.

Tip! During storage, be sure to periodically inspect the tubers for rot or other diseases in order to promptly process them, for example, by smearing damaged areas with brilliant green.

Video: how to store dahlia tubers in sawdust