What do I do with a dahlia in winter?

In warmer climates (zone 8 and above), dahlias can stay in the ground year-round and will continue to grow as perennials.

In colder climates, you can either grow your dahlias as annuals, purchasing new tubers each year, or lift and store your tubers over winter to replant the following season.

**Digging and Storing Your Dahlias:**
To prepare dahlias for storage, start by cutting back the plants, leaving a few inches of the stem. Carefully dig around each plant with a pitchfork, starting about 10 inches from the base to avoid damaging the tubers. Loosen the soil around the plant, then gently lift the tubers out by pulling up on the remaining stem.

**Storing Tubers as Clumps:**
There are several ways to store dahlia tubers. If storing as clumps, shake off excess soil but leave some dirt intact. Place the clumps in slightly damp peat moss, wood chips, or vermiculite, and store them in a cool, stable environment with temperatures between 40-55°F and humidity levels of 60-75%. Protect the tubers from freezing temperatures. Throughout the winter, check that they’re neither shriveling nor rotting—if they appear shriveled, add a bit more moisture; if moldy, add more dry medium. Keep the temperature consistent, and they’ll be ready to plant when spring arrives!

**Dividing Tubers for More Plants:**
To divide tubers, rinse them thoroughly to remove all dirt, then allow them to dry for about 24 hours. Dividing can increase your plants for the next season, and there are many helpful tutorials available, including one by Santa Cruz Dahlias for guidance on their specific method.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CWHgamtJ0Qs/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=

 

There are several storage methods for divided dahlia tubers, depending on your climate and storage area. Here at Hillside Home Dahlias our favorite method is using saran wrap to wrap each individual tuber. Here is a link to a wonderful article by the Dahlia Society describing that process. 

https://www.dahlia.org/docsinfo/articles/no-fuss-store-your-tubers-in-plastic-wrap/

You can also store your separated tubers in peat moss, vermiculite, wood chips, etc. in containers. Just don't let the tubers touch each other. You do have to pay close attention to humidity levels when you choose to store this way. You want to make sure your tubers aren't too wet ( starting to mold), or too dry (starting to shrivel) . You should also make sure you have some air holes in the containers as well. As with other storage methods, make sure you are keeping them around 40-55 degrees. Steady temperatures are best and absolutely no freezing temperatures.