How to prepare dahlias for winter: simple tips

Dahlias are a real decoration of the summer garden, pleasing to the eye with their bright colors. They are perfect for creating bouquets and adding color to flower beds.

However, as winter approaches, the flowers need special care, because their tubers cannot withstand frost. Digging up and properly storing dahlias until spring is an easy task if you follow certain rules.

When to dig up dahlias

For regions with frosty winters, dahlias are dug up in late fall before the onset of severe frost. This is usually late October or early November, when the plant begins to turn brown. If the ground in your area does not freeze, the tubers can be left in the soil and grown as perennials.

How to properly dig up tubers

Before digging, cut off the leaves, leaving only a few centimeters above the ground. Use a shovel or garden pitchfork to carefully dig up the tubers, being careful not to damage the roots. After removing the tuber, shake off any remaining soil. Repeat these steps for all the plants in the garden.

Preparing for storage

After digging up the tubers, rinse them thoroughly in water or with a garden hose to remove soil. The next step is to inspect the tubers for rot or damage. All affected parts should be removed. If you wish, you can divide large tubers, leaving at least one "eye" on each one to ensure the emergence of new plants.

Processing before storage

The tubers must be dried. Place them in a cool place with good air circulation and indirect sunlight for 1-2 weeks. After drying, the remaining stems can be cut off with secateurs or a knife.

How to store in winter

Dahlias are stored in a cool, dark place with low humidity. Boxes, cardboard boxes, or paper bags are suitable for this purpose. Ventilation space should be left between the tubers, and for better preservation, they can be sprinkled with peat moss.

During the winter, check the condition of the tubers regularly to spot rot or other problems in time. Following these recommendations will ensure a successful start to your garden next spring.

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