Winter Care of Dahlia Tubers

Digging Dahlia Tubers

• Cut the dahlia shoots down to two to four inches after the first hard frost in autumn. Insert a garden fork about 12 inches from the plant, then dig under the plant to loosen the roots. Lift the dahlia tubers carefully from the ground. Place the dahlia tubers in a dry, shady place for about two weeks, because the tubers must be dry before you store them for the winter.

Storing Dahlia Tubers

• Place the dahlia tubers in a cardboard box filled with perlite, vermiculite, wood shavings or dry sand that has been lightly dampened ahead of time. Store the box in a dry room where temperatures will remain between 35 and 45 degrees F.

Winter Care for Dahlia Tubers

• Check the dahlia tubers every three to four weeks during the winter. Throw out any tubers that appear diseased or moldy. If the tubers begin to appear dry and shriveled, spray the contents of the cardboard box lightly with water.