Dahlias are a stunning addition to any garden, but they’re also a little high-maintenance. If you live in a climate with warm summers, you can just keep your dahlias outside until the first frost kills them. But if your summers are cool or you live in an area with frequent frosts, you’ll have to dig up your dahlias and store them for the winter.
In the fall, dahlias should be carefully dug up, although the process will vary depending on your location. In areas with mild winters, you may be able to leave the tubers in the ground and cover them with mulch. If you live in a cold climate, you will need to dig up your dahlia tubers and store them indoors over winter to protect them from frost damage.
When the weather turns colder and winter approaches, dahlias may begin to die back. If you want to extend their blooms, you can dig up the tubers and overwinter them in Saran wrap. Dahlias grow best when the soil is dry and free from pests. Read on to learn how to care for your dahlias in the fall.
Digging up dahlia tubers
If you’re thinking about growing dahlias next year, the fall is a great time to dig up and divide your dahlia tubers. Dahlias grow large tubers that can be divided to increase the area of your garden and avoid problems with rotting. It’s a good idea to separate them and store them in separate containers to avoid rotting. Dahlia tubers can be stored for two to three months in peat moss, but they can last longer if you store them in a dry place. You can store them in a refrigerator as long as they’re kept away from sunlight and in a cool, dark place.
When it’s time to dig up your dahlia tubers, make sure you do so before the first killing frost. The longer your dahlia tubers stay in the ground curing, the greater their chances of staying in the ground over the winter. This is particularly important if you’re growing dahlias in areas with light frost or cold winters.
As soon as the ground is warm enough, you can start planting your dahlia tubers. Dahlia tubers should be plump and firm. Look for rot or fungus. In warm-climate areas, you can simply leave them in the ground or cut off the foliage. The bulbs will grow back in the spring. Digging up dahlia tubers in the fall will keep them healthy and looking great until the spring.
Digging up dahlia tubers in the fall requires some physical effort, so wear appropriate clothing and gloves. Before beginning the digging process, prepare a few tools and containers for your supplies. You may also need a tin foil or plastic sheet to cover the plant’s crown. After cutting it off, carefully remove the broken tubers from the soil. Most of the tubers are still viable, so it’s best to wait a few hours before digging.
Keeping them dry
One of the best ways to keep Dahlias during the fall months is to store them in a cool and dry place, but not so cold that they freeze. To achieve this, you can use a spare refrigerator. However, you should avoid putting the bulbs into a growth phase. While warmth is good for the root system, too much warmth can lead to leggy dahlias.
While many gardeners will recommend removing dahlias before the first hard frost, this is not necessary. In hardiness zones 8-10, dahlias can be left to bloom and grow again the following year. Make sure that the tubers of your dahlias are labeled, though. This is because plastic plant labels are often misplaced. If you decide to save your dahlias, carefully evaluate them before the first frost. Choose those with the best appearance.
While dahlias can survive winter without a lot of care, storing them in the ground is not ideal. Dahlias grow tubers in the spring and don’t reach maturity until late in the season. In order to avoid this problem, dig the tubers and store them in a cooler. Keep the temperature at 40-50 degrees. After the winter, dahlias will survive better if you dig them up and store them.
Once your dahlias are ready to be planted, you should keep them in a dark, cool area. A cool basement or attached garage is ideal for storing dahlias. To ensure proper growth, be sure to mist the tubers frequently. Never place them on cement because it will steal moisture from them. Keeping Dahlias dry in the fall.
Overwintering them in Saran wrap
Despite the popularity of other methods of overwintering dahlias, many gardeners have resisted using this method. This method is relatively new and the American Dahlia Society is moving away from plastic bags and vermiculite. But it is still effective. Dahlias are very brittle and should be protected to avoid decay and mildew.
Before storing your Dahlias in Saran wrap, be sure to spray them with a fungicide. If you use synthetic chemicals, you can spray the tubers with Daconil (chlorothalonil). If you use organic chemicals, you can mix diluted bleach and sulfur into the plastic. Once the tubers are completely covered in plastic wrap, label them to identify which variety they are.
While storage conditions differ by climate zone, there are some general guidelines for storing dahlias during the winter. For example, dahlias need temperatures between forty and fifty degrees Fahrenheit and about 70 percent humidity. Plastic bin bags absorb moisture from the air, while cardboard boxes can help retain moisture in the soil. Plastic bin bags can be sprayed with water whenever the tubers need it.
When it comes to climate, you can store dahlias in the basement, garage, or basement for the winter. The tubers should be carefully covered with plastic bags, and the top should be covered with a deep layer of mulch. These measures will protect the tubers from the excessive winter chill. However, be sure to label the container clearly before the first frost. If the dahlias are not labeled before the first frost, it may be hard to identify them later.
Keeping them free of pests
While the emergence of dahlia flowers is inevitable, dahlias are highly susceptible to pests. Unlike other flowers, dahlias attract earwigs, slugs, and aphids, so prevent them from laying eggs in your plants. You can also trap earwigs using a garden cane or an upturned garden pot with straw. Earwigs will retreat to these traps during the day. Slugs love the new growth and foliage of dahlias, and copper rings are a great way to protect your plants. If you don’t have any copper rings, try using organic slug pellets.
Japanese beetles can also wreak havoc on your dahlia plants. When you find one of these insects on your dahlia, remove it as soon as possible by tossing it in soapy water. If you notice that it’s already a bit too late to harvest the flowers, don’t worry; they’ll replace the branch quickly and flower again.
Powdery mildew is one of the most common dahlia pests. This fungus is both external and internal. During its life cycle, it can cause the leaves of the flower to die and become distorted. If the plant is susceptible to powdery mildew, you should apply an anti-fungal spray to the foliage at pre-dawn and at dusk. Botrytis, also known as grey mold, is another common dahlia pest. Infected plants will develop dark spots on the leaves and buds. The plant will also die.
Feed your dahlias regularly with a high potash fertilizer. The soil needs to be moist but not too dry, as this will cause the tubers to rot. Dahlias will respond well to feeding when the soil is moist but not wet. Watering in autumn will ensure healthy growth. You can start Dahlia seeds indoors in paper towels or in potting soil.
Taking care of them after a hard frost
Taking care of Dahlias in the fall after preparing them for winter is essential for their continued bloom. They need to receive temperatures over 55 degrees to form their eyes. Some varieties of dahlias form their eyes much earlier than others. Just Peachy, for instance, forms its eyes within three weeks of receiving 60 degrees, but Nicholas takes up to eight weeks to form its eyes.
While dahlias will survive a light frost, they cannot tolerate a killing freeze. A killing frost is a temperature below 32 degrees, and a light frost is one or two hours. A light frost will damage the leaves and flowers of dahlia, but it will not harm the flower itself. If the tuber is damaged, it can be discarded.
To take care of a dahlia, cut the foliage back to four to six inches above ground level. Save the stalk as a handle for the clump. When digging the tubers, wait for a week before removing them. Do not dig them too early, as they are green and will not store and cure like potatoes. To dig them out, start 12 inches from the stem, then use a sharp spade to gently dig them out. If digging the tubers out, be sure to remove all soil from the tuber to prevent any rot from occurring.
If you don’t mind the smell of decomposed leaf mold, you can use a tea made from it. You can make tea from this tea by blending it with boiled potato. After straining it, spray the tea onto the dahlia’s foliage. The tea will help keep the plants healthy and strong during the winter. This tea is also a beneficial way to control aphids.
Can you leave dahlias in the ground over winter?
Yes, you can leave dahlias in the ground over winter if you live in zones 8 or higher. As long as the ground doesn’t freeze. In fact, this is a great way to save them from being killed by frost and to keep them healthier throughout the winter months.
Dahlias are particularly susceptible to damage from frost if they are not protected. If you are growing dahlias outdoors during the winter, it is important to make sure that you protect them from frost by covering them with straw or other materials during cold weather. This will help prevent damage from occurring.
You should also consider using mulch around your plants to further protect them from frost. Mulch helps keep moisture in the soil around your plants and prevents water loss through evaporation.
How do you prepare dahlias for winter?
Keeping your dahlias dry, having good air circulation and being in a cool, dark spot are the best ways to ensure that your dahlias stay healthy and vibrant.
If you want your dahlias to be preserved for the winter months, then it is important to store them in containers with holes. This will allow for good air circulation and prevent any water from accumulating within their tubers.
It is also crucial that these containers have holes in them as well so that any excess moisture can escape through them. This will help prevent rot from occurring within your tubers which could ruin them completely if left unchecked.
What month do you cut back dahlias?
The best time to cut back your dahlias is in late fall, within the month of October and November. That’s when they’re at their most dormant, which is also when they’ll have just enough time to recover and resume growth in spring.
If you’re looking for a time of year that offers a little extra protection from frost and cold, late fall is the perfect place.
Final thought,
Although Dahlias can withstand some frost, it’s best not to expose them too much because it will damage them. In fact, if you want to keep your Dahlia alive through fall, you should put it in an outdoor enclosure or a greenhouse where it is protected from cold temperatures and moisture loss.