How to Store Your Dahlias
This guide shows you how to lift dahlia tubers safely once the first frost blackens the foliage, and store them somewhere cool and dry over winter. You'll learn how to lift without damaging the tubers, dry them properly and pack them away so they're ready to plant out again next spring. The hands-on work takes twenty minutes or so per plant. After that, it's just an occasional check over winter while the tubers rest.
When
After First Frost
Difficulty
Easy
Hands-on time
20 mins
You'll need
- ✓Garden fork
- ✓Secateurs
- ✓Cardboard box
- ✓Newspaper
- ✓Vermiculite
- ✓Plant labels
- ✓Soft brush (optional)
Dan's Tip
Don't rush the drying stage. Tubers that go into storage even slightly damp are far more likely to rot than ones given a proper week to dry out first.
Step by step guide
Wait for the First Frost
Let the first frost blacken the foliage before you lift. This signals the plant is moving into dormancy and the tubers have had their final push of growth.
Cut Back the Stems
Trim the old flowering stems down to about 5cm above the base once the foliage has blackened. This makes the clump much easier to handle.
10 more steps, plus winter care, common mistakes, troubleshooting and FAQs
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