Storing Dahlia Tubers the EASY WAY / How to Dig and Store Dahlia Tubers

Storing Dahlia tubers the EASY WAY! Here's how to dig and store dahlia tubers. Digging and storing dahlia tubers can seem hard, but I've found that storing the tubers "dirty" in clumps is an easy method that has worked for me for many years. There is no one "right" way to store dahlia tubers, rather you just need to find the best storage for your particular situation. Here are the steps I use for storing dahlias dirty in clumps.
- After the first frost wait 1-2 weeks before you start digging your dahlia tubers. This will allow their skins to toughen up and cure for storage. If there is any threat of a freeze dig the dahlias immediately
- Label your dahlias using flagging tape and a waterproof marker
- After 1-2 weeks of curing cut the plants back to 4 inches
- Use a pitchfork to gently loosen the soil around the tubers being careful not to damage them. Lift the tubers and brush off excess soil.
- Place the tubers upside down in open brown paper bags of bulb crates and allow them to dry in a cool dark place for a few days. Do not allow the tubers to freeze. ( I use our detached, unheated garage)
- After drying place the tubers into brown paper bags, roll the tops of the bags down, and place the bags into cardboard boxes
- Store in a location that is 40-50 degrees F and 70% humidity (I use our unheated basement)
- Check the tubers at least once a month for any signs of mold, rot, sprouting, or shriveling, and make any necessary adjustments to their storage location and medium