How to Save Dahlia Bulbs for Next Year
Sharing the step by step tutorial for saving dahlia bulbs for next year.
Instructions
- Remove dahlia bulbs aka tubers from the ground before the first frost.
- Using gardening shears, cut the dahlia stems close to the ground (about 4” above).
- Discard the plant.
- With a shovel, dig around the dahlia roots giving yourself plenty of clearance to not damage any bulbs.
- Gently lift up the soil along with the dahlia bulbs.
- Gently shake off the excess dirt and place the dahlia bulbs with dirt in a protected space to dr such as under the edge of the deck or against the house.
- If you have plenty of assorted dahlias, sort them by size and color and keep note of which is which.
- After 2 weeks, gently break apart the dirt in between the bulbs and roots.
- Inspect the dahlia bulbs for damaged, cut or rotting bulbs. Remove any that are damaged and throw away.
- Pack the dahlia bulbs upside down (with the stem side down and root side up) in a dry cardboard box.
- Cover the dahlia bulbs with newspaper, peat moss or wood shavings.
- Label the box with the size and color of the dahlias.
- Store the box in a dry cool place such as an insulated garage, seller room until Spring.