DAHLIA BULB TIPS AND STORAGE

Tips, Tricks

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Information on how to care for and store Dahlia tubers after the first frost at the end of their growing season.

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Hi Navajopa,
I’m gathering information on Dahlia growing ready for the season in 2014 as I have never grown them before.

I found this video from you very helpful because of the clear steady way that you explain, together with the detail that you provide. Nothing was rushed, and I felt that you went “the extra mile” with your explanation. That is appreciated. The camera work was nice and steady & clear too. Where are you located? I am near Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England. Thanks again-great instructional video. Martin Dennis.

Great video!

The tubers set their buds for next season after they are exposed to low temps from early frost. If they do not go through this cycle they will produce less stems the next year. Since the tubers are planted 6" below the surface they are protected from early frost doing damage. If you only have a few you could put something around the base of the stems to protect the tubers under the soil from the temperature drop. A hard or prolonged freeze will kill the tubers. People dig and store thier tubers.

You can leave them in pots and store them in a cool place that will not freeze. The soil must be allowed to dry out because they will rot if left in soil with any moisture. You also cannot leave any moisture inside the cut off stems because it will rot them. Leave stems about 4 to 5 inches long when you cut them off. Liquid from the tuber can come up into the stem and cause the tuber to rot over time. Most people invert the tubers so any moisture will drain out of the stems.

What happens if you have them in pots and you take them inside over winter instead of digging them up?

Paula: It got down to 31 to 32 degrees last night and it is suppose to be the same tonight. I went to the river today and I don't see a lot of damage, but it was only about 8 to 10 hours since the low temps. Dahlias and Cannas to name a few do need to have a have frost or a light freeze to help them start their dorman period and for dahlias set the buds for next years stems. 60-75 plants are a lot. Do you plant them in the ground? I can't believe you were the first one to comment on this video.

Thanks for some good info... I have about 60-75 plants this year to do.. just waiting for a frost to hit RI . so the process can get started... had a pretty good year so heres to another good season. take care and thanks again.