How to Winter Over Dahlias

Storing dahlia tubers can add beauty to your garden each year.

Because dahlias add a variety of sizes, shapes and colors to a garden, they make a good choice for any flower bed. Dahlias also do very well as cut flowers for vases, adding enjoyment inside your home, as well. You can use your dahlia tubers for many growing seasons if you properly dig, clean and store them over the winter.

Things You'll Need

• Dahlia tubers
• Garden fork
• Water
• Storage container
• Peat moss or vermiculite

Instructions

1. Cut back the stem of the dahlia to 6 inches when it has wilted or turned brown at the end of the season and leave it for a week. Cutting the stem will help produce new eyes on the tuber for the following growing season.

2. Dig around the dahlia plant with a garden fork carefully, so as not to damage the tubers, and lift the clump out of the ground.

3. Rinse off the bulbs with water and allow to air dry.

4. Divide your tubers with a sharp knife. Each tuber must have a new growth bud or eye in order to grow individually.

5. Layer your bulbs with peat moss or vermiculite in a storage container, such as a cardboard or wooden box or plastic bin. Vermiculite will absorb any water over the winter and keep the air around the tubers humid.

6. Close up and store the container in a dry, cool place such as a garage or basement.

Tips & Warnings

• Remove any soft bulbs prior to packing to prevent the spreading of rot.

References

• The Garden Helper: How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Dahlias
• Connecticut Dahlia: Winter Storage of Dahlia Tubers