How To Store Dahlias In Winter

Who wouldn’t love a splash of gorgeous, flashy and colourful blooms in their garden to brighten up any weather? Dahlias are the perfect option! These flamboyant flowers come in a range of rainbow colours and sizes ready to spread cheers.

Dahlias can be petite, 2 inches in size and in lollipop-style pompoms. Or they can be dinner-plate style blooms with a 15-inch diameter size. Most varieties grow from 4 to 5 feet tall. Dahlias are tuberous plants whose related species include sunflowers, daisies and chrysanthemum. Tubers, unlike bulbs, come in a variety of shapes which form into a cluster. Tubers grow out of the “eyes,” while bulbs grow from one fixed point.

Dahlias grow best in moist, moderate climates. They are frost-tender perennials which can overwinter in mild weather. However, they need to be lifted during severe winter to avoid damage.

Why Store Dahlias Over Winter?

The foliage of the dahlias blacken with the first frost. They are not terribly winter hardy and will rot if left in the ground in colder regions. Soggy soil causes them to mold and the freezing temperatures will break these tuberous plants. If you want to preserve these beauties for replanting, dig them up and store them away during cold weather.

When the frost has blackened the dahlia and its leaves die off, then you know it’s time to dig up your tubers. When the above ground vegetation has perished, the tubers deep underground are still alive waiting to be uprooted and stored for planting during the warmer weather.

Dahlia in garden

How to Store Dahlias over Winter?

Dig, trim and wash the tubers.

  • Use pruners to cut off the stems a couple of inches above ground level. Trim off the aboveground vegetation killed by the frost, leaving only a little.
  • Use a garden fork to dig up dahlia tubers by loosening the soil about one foot away from the plant. This is to avoid piercing and damaging the root.
  • Carefully shake off loose soil. Wash off the remaining dirt gently using a sink or a hose pipe. Avoid puncturing the tubers to prevent pathogens from rotting your tubers while in storage.
  • Inspect your tubers and trim away any rotten parts to prevent it from spreading.
  • Place the tuber upside down so it can dry thoroughly for a few days. If you see the skin wrinkled, the tubers should be dry enough.

Apply fungicide or sulfur dust to prevent rot and deter fungus.

  • Wear protective gear, mask and gloves when applying fungicide or sulfur dust.
  • Sprinkle liberally over the tubers.
  • Ensure that you apply to areas which have been cut.

Prepare storage mediums for keeping the tubers.

  • Line the bottom and sides of a cardboard box with newspaper, ensuring to cover any cracks.
  • Store tubers in the box and fill it with compost.
  • Pour in 2 inches of compost at the bottom of the box.
  • Use a spray bottle to moisten the compost slightly. Do not saturate it but strike a balance between wet and dry.
  • Place the tubers onto the medium. Cover with additional compost so the stems stick out above the compost.

Store the box in a well-ventilated, frost-free place.

  • Ideal temperature is from 4 to 7º C, while 2 to 10º C is acceptable.
  • Ensure that the place remains cool for the winter but will not freeze.
  • Check the tubers occasionally to ensure that they are not rotting. Remove any mushy or rotting portions to prevent them from affecting other tubers.
  • If tubers are overly dry, spray some water on the compost.
overwintering dahlias
dahlias in flower

Keeping your dahlias during winter will be worth it when the frost has passed and they are ready for replanting. When the dangers of the cold weather are over, you’ll be able to enjoy their brilliant colours and gorgeous blooms again!

If you have questions on the ideal plants and blooms for your garden, contact your local store where one of our helpful and knowledgeable staff will be happy to help and answer any questions you may have.