Dahlia Care: To Dig or Not to Dig

article by Mary Concklin

Dahlias are considered tender perennials and as such they need to be protected from the winter cold. Many tender perennials survive very well left in the ground and provided with a thick layer of insulation from straw, leaves or mulch. Others need to be removed from the ground and stored in a cool dry area.

In most northern climates, Dahlias would fall into the group of those plants that need to be removed. Left in the soil they are susceptible to excess moisture and may rot or freeze. Wait to dig until after a killing frost. This allows the plant to produce the maximum amount of food stored in the tuber for beautiful growth the following year. Cut the tops back to a few inches. Carefully lift out of the soil without damaging the tubers.

Store in a cool location with temperatures around 50 degrees F. Storing in coarse vermiculite will help to maintain enough moisture to prevent the tubers from shriveling but not enough to cause them to rot.

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This article is found in the Bloom 'n News, Volume 13 Issue 4.