This time of year, I receive countless questions about digging and storing dahlia tubers. There is so much conflicting advice and uncertainly. Some people start to panic! I get it. Tubers cost a lot of money, so you want to do everything you can to make sure they make it through the winter.
I’m going to walk you through the process we use for digging and storing our dahlia tubers. You ought to feel more sure of yourself and ready to try it on your own now that you’ve read and watched the videos.
1. There are several different methods that can be used to store dahlia tubers. When you hear “seemingly contradicting” advice, just know that different methods work for different storage situations. There are different places where WE store them, so the way WE do it might not work best for YOU.
2. If you’ve never stored dahlia tubers before, I strongly suggest that you try a number of different places and ways. This will help you discover the ideal methods for YOU. It’s never a great idea to “put all your eggs in one basket”. This way, if one method is a flop, you have a back up supply of tubers. Got it? Good. First, watch this short video to see what dahlia tubers should look like after you dig them up. Notice the big clump of tubers and the short stem.
Ok, now that you know what you’re going for and what the tubers look like, let’s get digging!
Dahlias are stunning flowers that add vibrant color to any garden. However, they are not cold hardy plants. If you live in an area with freezing winters, you’ll need to dig up and store the tubers over the winter. Proper storage is crucial for ensuring your dahlias survive the winter and return to bloom the following year.
One of the most important factors for successful dahlia tuber storage is temperature. So what is the ideal temperature range?
Overview of Dahlia Tuber Storage
Here’s a quick overview of the dahlia tuber storage process
- Dig up tubers after first frost when foliage starts to die back
- Allow to dry for a few days
- Remove excess soil and trim any rotted parts
- Store in a cool, dark location in container with airflow
- Check periodically for moisture and humidity
Temperature is key throughout this process.
When to Dig Up Tubers
Ideally, you should dig up dahlia tubers once the foliage starts to brown and die back after the first light frost in fall. This is a sign the plant is going dormant.
- A light frost occurs between 36-32°F when ice crystals form on surfaces.
- A hard freeze below 32°F will damage and kill the tender foliage.
It’s best to dig up the tubers before a hard freeze damages them. However, avoid digging too early or the tubers may not be fully developed.
Drying and Storing Tubers
After digging, allow the tubers to dry for a few days in a frost-free location out of direct sun. Trimming back the remaining stalks and foliage will assist drying.
Next, pack tubers loosely in containers like cardboard boxes, mesh bags or plastic bins Make sure each tuber has space and airflow around it
The Ideal Temperature Range
Here’s where temperature comes in. The ideal range for storing dahlia tubers is:
35-50°F
This cool temperature keeps the tubers dormant. Warmer temperatures may cause them to sprout prematurely. Colder freezing temperatures will damage or rot the tubers.
Aim for around 45°F for best results.
Where to Store Tubers
Good locations to store dahlia tubers include:
- Unheated basement, closet or garage
- Cool attic space
- Refrigerator vegetable crisper (if temperature can be adjusted in this range)
- Insulated container kept in a cool area
The location should stay dark and have stable, cool temperatures around 45°F all winter.
Avoid anywhere that gets below freezing or fluctuates in temperature. The tubers need consistent cool conditions.
Checking Tuber Condition
Check stored dahlia tubers every 2-3 weeks during winter. Look for any rotting, mold or shriveling.
- If tubers are too damp, remove from storage and dry out for a few days
- If tubers are shriveled, mist lightly with water to rehydrate
- Remove any rotten tubers immediately to prevent spreading
Adjusting humidity and moisture levels will keep the tubers in top condition.
When to Plant in Spring
In spring, bring dahlia tubers out of storage once the threat of frost has passed. Wait until soil temperatures reach 60°F before planting them back in the garden.
Stored properly over winter at 35-50°F, your dahlia tubers will be primed for another season of spectacular blooms.
Key Takeaways on Dahlia Tuber Storage Temperature
- Dig up tubers in fall after first light frost when foliage starts to die back
- Allow to dry for 1-2 weeks in cool, frost-free location
- Pack loosely in container with airflow, spacing tubers apart
- Store in cool area with stable temps between 35-50°F, ideally around 45°F
- Check periodically for rotting, moisture and shriveling
- Keep dark and humid during winter dormancy
- Replant outdoors after threat of spring frost passes
Follow these temperature guidelines and your stored dahlias will thrive, ready to bloom again next summer.
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Step 1: Wait for Your First Frost
- Dahlias are very sensitive to frost. When there has been a frost, your plants will look beautiful one day and black and dead the next (see photos below of before and after). The very first killing frost of the season is known as “Frostmas” by flower farmers. ;).
- You can cry a little while you’re outside with your dead dahlias. No judgement here. Goodbye, my loves….
- Dahlias with frost on them are beautiful, but they only look nice for an hour before they fall apart. Now is the time to take pictures—this only comes around once a year!
- You can dig up the Dahlias before the frost kills them. But it’s best to let them grow for at least 135 days, which is four and a half months. This happens to be when many growers expect the first frost, which is why frost is usually the sign to start digging!
Happy Frostmas! “Black Satin” after the first frost.
BEFORE: Dahlia field the day before the 1st frost.
AFTER: Dahlia field the day after the 1st frost. These photos were taken within 24 hours of each other!.
Step 3: Time to Dig!
- For 1 to 2 weeks (or less if you need to dig right away), the ground should be ready to dig.
- Carefully break up the soil around the clump of potatoes with a pitchfork. Take care to NOT break the tubers. They are EXTREMELY fragile.
- Do NOT pull the tuber bunch up by the “stem handle.” Instead, hold the handle with one hand and use the other to pull the clump out of the seed.
- Use a pencil, stick, or paint brush to gently brush off the extra dirt around the tubers. Clip off “root hairs” and any broken tubers.
- Cut off the “stem handle” near the base of the clump with loppers or heavy clippers, leaving about 1 to 2 inches. If you cut too low, the “eyes” will be lost!
- Stick the clump in a bag or crate that has the name of the dahlia variety written on it.
- The bags or crates should be put somewhere cool and dry that isn’t in direct sunlight, like a garage or covered porch. They should be left there until they feel dry to the touch. This could take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the temperature and weather. However, make sure they don’t freeze during this time!!! We know this from experience 🙁 .
- Do NOT set tubers directly on concrete to dry. It will dry them out. Place them on tables, counters, pallets, crates, etc.
A nice looking dahlia tuber clump!
Storing Dahlia Tubers the EASY WAY / How to Dig and Store Dahlia Tubers “Dirty” / Dahlia Flower Care
FAQ
Can you store dahlia tubers in unheated garage?
How cold is too cold for dahlia tubers?
Should I rinse dahlia tubers before storing?
Can dahlias be stored in a cooler?
What temperature should dahlia tubers be stored?
The ideal dormancy storage temperature for dahlias is between 40 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, but that can be tricky to find within a fully heated home. My advice is to find a space that is as close to this temperature range as possible: a root cellar, basement, or attic will probably be your best bet for storing dahlia tubers.
Where do you store dahlia tubers?
My advice is to find a space that is as close to this temperature range as possible: a root cellar, basement, or attic will probably be your best bet for storing dahlia tubers. For the past few years, I have been storing my dahlias in the uninsulated part of our upstairs closet, which seems to work just fine.
Should you wash dahlia tubers before storing them?
Washing Dahlia tubers before storing them is optional. Some gardeners wash them with a garden hose to remove soil, insects, and potential diseases, which helps protect the tubers during storage. However, if washed, ensure they are thoroughly dried to prevent rot. If you choose not to wash them, gently brush off excess soil.
How do you keep dahlia tubers from rotting?
Rinsing Dahlia Tubers Off After you’ve dug all of the tubers up, gently wash the dirt off in a tub of water, or with a garden hose. Make sure not to puncture the skin of your tubers, as this could cause them to rot over the winter months in storage. 3. Examining And Trimming Dahlia Tubers
Can you leave dahlia tubers in the ground?
To prevent this, you must lift and store your dahlia tubers until the next planting season. However, if you live in a mild climate without freezing temperatures, you can leave your tubers in the ground, and they may return year after year.
How do you take care of a dahlia plant?
This helps prevent the spread of plant diseases between your dahlias. Using a garden fork or shovel, carefully dig up the dahlia tubers, starting about 12 inches away from the base of the stem. Be careful not to damage the tubers or the roots, as they are fragile at this stage.