Dahlias are tender perennials, hardy only in Zones 9 to 11, so they must be dug out of the ground in cooler zones and stored over the winter. Gardeners in Zone 8 can overwinter dahlias in the ground with an added layer of mulch, but digging and storing them is a safer bet.
When is it time to dig up dahlias from the garden?
After the first frost of the season has occurred and the temperatures have begun to drop significantly, it is important to prepare your dahlia tubers for dormancy. The first frost typically signals the end of the growing season for dahlias, causing their foliage to turn black and wilt. This is a natural indicator that the plants are transitioning into a dormant state, and it is crucial to allow them adequate time to adjust to these changes. Find your projected first frost dates here.
Video: Watch How to Dig, Divide, and Store Dahlia Tubers
5 Steps to Store Dahlias Correctly for Winter
1. Cut them back to within 6 inches of the ground, and gently lift the dahlia tubers out with a spade—inserted carefully into the soil at a distance from the stems so as not to sever the tubers. To prepare your dahlias for the end of the growing season, begin by cutting the plants back to a height of approximately 6 inches above the ground.
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2. Clean the soil off the tubers, and allow them to dry for a day. They can be left in the sun but must not be allowed to freeze.
3. After drying, shorten old stems—to about an inch long—for ease of storage, and cut away any skinny, hairlike roots to minimize the risk of fungus. This will help to prevent damage from frost and will also make it easier to manage the remaining plant material.
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4. Place the roots in crates or boxes, and cover with slightly moistened sand, peat moss, or sawdust to keep them from drying out. Store in a cool but frost-free place, such as a garage or unheated basement (40°F to 50°F is ideal).
5. Check on the tubers monthly to ensure that they aren’t rotting (too cool or wet) or shriveling (too warm or dry). If too wet, remove them from the box and allow them to dry out before repacking them in fresh material. If too dry, add a little water to the packing mix.
Learn more about dahlia care:
How to Grow Dahlias, Plus the Best Varieties
Dahlia Pests and Diseases to Watch Out For
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Alastair Gunn
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