How to Dig and Store Dahlia Tubers

Dahlias must be dug up and stored every autumn if you live in an area where the soil freezes. In milder regions, dig up tubers every few years or when plants stop producing abundant blooms.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Sulfur Powder
• Newspaper
• shower head nozzle
• paper box or nursery flats
• hose
• shovel or spading fork
• sharp knife or clippers

1. Wait to dig up dahlia tubers until the foliage has turned brown in the fall. Cut the foliage down prior to digging, making sure to leave a few inches of stem above ground.

2. Dig around the drip line of the dahlia with a shovel or spading fork. (The drip line is imaginary line around the outside perimeter of the foliage.) Dig carefully to avoid damaging the potato-like tubers.

3. Lift the clump of soil gently so that the tubers are exposed. Shake out excess soil.

4. Wash the clump of tubers under a gentle stream of water to remove the dirt, being careful not to damage the outside skin. Use a shower head instead of a strong jet sprayer hose attachment.

5. Use a sharp knife or clippers to separate tubers into individual pieces, leaving a two-inch piece of stem on each one. If the stem is removed completely, the tuber will not sprout next season.

6. Lay the prepared tubers on sheets of newspaper in a single layer. Allow them to air dry in a sunny location for one week.

7. Dust the prepared tubers with sulfur powder to prevent fungus disease and rot. Sulfur powder is available at nursery supply stores.

8. Store tubers in a cool, dark, dry location. The tubers can be stored in single layers in a cardboard box or nursery flats lined with newspaper.

9. Plant tubers in the spring after the soil has warmed.

Tips & Warnings

• You will have many more tubers than you can possibly use. Share the tubers with friends and neighbors.

• Dahlias come in a huge variety of colors and shapes and make excellent cut flowers. Plant plenty!

• Be very careful not to damage the tubers while digging. Discard any that have been nicked or cut.

• Sulfur powder is an organic fungicide. Wear a protective mask and gloves. Wash your hands afterwards.

• When digging, lift with your legs instead of your back to avoid injury.