Fall Dahlia Care

When fall comes and the frost has killed the leaves on the dahlias it is time to think about digging the tubers. Within a week after killing frost, cut the tops to the ground. Then allow the stalks to bleed for at least a week before digging.

Now you are ready for the real operation. Take a spade, fork or shovel, whichever you are handiest with, and pry up the plant carefully from all sides. Next, lift the Dahlia clumps carefully and cut the stalks about two inches above the crown, leaving the tubers to dry in the sun and air for about a day. A little soil may stick to the clumps but that is easily removed by tapping the end of the cut stalk with a trowel, block of wood or any heavy object.

Some varieties are poor winter keepers, others good… but with good care there is no need to segregate the two kinds. However, if a tuber should break off, the wound should be dusted thoroughly with sulfur to keep out rot. If any tuber is injured, the damaged portion should be removed with a clean, sharp cut and sulfur applied.

When it comes to the actual storage, line the storage container with paper, preferably waterproof. Then put in a layer of tubers taking care to keep them from touching, cover with vermiculite, almost-dry peatmoss or sawdust, put in another layer of tubers and cover completely. Split the largest clumps to facilitate packing.

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