Storing Tubers
There are many methods that work great for a variety of climates and storage situations. The one that works “best” is the one that is most convenient for YOU!
Here are a few great options (I’ve tried each of them, and have had equal success with them! Since I remove tubers and start some early, I use Method 2 with my favorite or more delicate varieties, but use Method 1 with my hardiest varieties)
Method 1: Plastic Bag and Wood Shavings
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CkZ7_z0Lgdq/?igshid=Zjc2ZTc4Nzk=
Method 2: Plastic Totes and Vermiculite
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CkouSfFvyU_/?igshid=Zjc2ZTc4Nzk=
Method 3: Plastic Wrap
https://www.instagram.com/reel/ClmsONGuFlG/?igshid=Zjc2ZTc4Nzk=
Digging and Dividing
”When” to dig and divide is up to you! Some people dig and divide in the fall, and others dig in the fall and divide in the spring. The timing typically has to do with your storage situation. If you have lots of room for storage, or only a few plants to store, dividing in the spring can make sense. I divide most tubers in the fall because my storage space is limited.
What to look for when dividing: eye (located on the crown), neck, and body. You must have all of these parts for dahlias to be able to grow.
A great video demonstration for identifying parts of a dahlia: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CktoL2Rsh0H/?igshid=Zjc2ZTc4Nzk=
Video demonstration on dividing dahlias: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ckq7nHWsFqh/?igshid=Zjc2ZTc4Nzk=
I can’t stop watching this amazing video on how to dig up dahlias:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cj1KPxFMWs_/?igshid=Zjc2ZTc4Nzk=
Planting
So you have your tubers… now what!?
The good news is, there isn’t one “right way” to plant your tubers, but many, depending on what you have available and whether or not you want to give them an “early start”.
I’ll break down some options based on the time of year and weather conditions!
First, find out when your “Last Frost Date” is for your area: Last Frost Dates:
The Last Frost Date Has Passed:
Plant your dahlia in the ground. Use the Planting Guide for reference.
Up to Three Weeks Before the Last Frost Date:
- Option 1: Keep them in a cool location until ready to plant.
- Option 2: Wake up your dahlias indoors by bringing them into a warmer environment with temperatures in the 60s one to three weeks before planting. I like to cover about half of the tuber with potting soil (not wet) so that they can retain the moisture and do not dry out. Too much water will rot the tubers. What you’ll see: The tubers will “eye up” and begin to sprout*. Once they sprout, you’ll want to get them into a bit more soil so that they can begin taking in nutrients, and they’ll need a good amount of light so that they don’t get leggy. *Some tubers can take up to 5 weeks to sprout.
Up to 10 Weeks Before the Last Frost Date:
- Option 1: Keep stored in a cool location until ready to plant.
- Option 2: Wake up your tubers in order to give them an early start, and take cuttings for more plants**. To do this: Half-fill pots with potting soil (without fertilizer) and half-bury the tubers horizontally or diagonally. Keep these under grow-lights until they sprout, then follow the instructions for taking cuttings. **If you are not taking cuttings, I would wait until about 8 weeks before your last frost date before starting indoors, unless you have a lot of room and good grow-lights. Once the plants have a true set of leaves, begin adding a fertilizer like fish-fertilizer when watering.
Woodhill Farm 