What to Do with Dahlia Tubers over the Winter?

Did you know there are many ways to approach caring for your dahlia tubers in the winter?

If you live in zone 8b like me, you have the option of leaving your dahlias in the ground because we don't get super cold here.  Where I live we might get down to 20 degrees for 1-2 days through the winter.

The biggest risk to leaving your dahlias in the ground is wet soil because it can cause your dahlia tubers to rot.

If you live in cold areas, you definitely need to dig your dahlias.  

Once dug, you can leave your tubers with the soil stuck around them for quite awhile.  Your main problem will likely be mold growing on the stem.  If so, either wipe the fuzzy mold off with a cloth, or cut the stem down as low as you can. Keep them protected from freezing temperature.

You could instead wash the soil off your tubers right away.  If you do this, you need to store them in wood shavings, vermiculite or peat moss.  This helps keep the tubers from drying out.

If there is too much moisture, you will find that your tubers will start to mold-especially on the ends that you have the cut mark.  This is ok, just wipe off the mold or use a toothbrush with vinegar or bleach.  (Make sure to they are completely dry before restoring). This mold though is an indicator that your area is too humid.  You need to give your tubers more air flow, like opening the lid.

Aim to keep your tubers between 35-50 degrees all winter.  You don't want them to freeze but you also don't want them to start growing if you have them in a too warm of spot.

My first time I ever saved dahlia tubers, it was a fail.  I had them in too warm of spot and never really checked on them over the winter.  I waited 10 years to try again and now I feel like I have the hang out it.  Just know it will be trial and error as you learn.

Set a reminder on your phone or calendar to at least check them every month.

Find our your hardiness zone:  Find out Plant Hardiness Zone