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Dahlia Bulb Storage Ideas

Ningthoujam Sandhyarani
Dahlia bulb storage involves digging up the roots, preparing them, and then storing them safely indoors. Read ahead for correct tips for storing of dahlia bulbs and you can prepare stocks for the next year's plantation on your own.
Want some bright summer blooms for your flower garden? You can think of growing dahlia bulbs. They are very easy to grow and require minimal maintenance, except overwintering the bulbs.
Available in many colors, shapes, and sizes, dahlia flowers beautify every landscape design with a unique touch. They are also used as excellent cut flowers to decorate rooms and party halls. Thus, by planting them, you can enjoy vibrant blooms in the garden as well as cut flowers in the interiors.
After frosting is over, plant dahlias in well-drained soil in areas that receive high amount of sunlight. Space them as per the variety; leave 2 feet for smaller ones and 3 feet spacing is ideal for larger blooms. Provide good growing conditions and your dahlia plants will flower during summer.
Based on the prevailing climatic conditions, you should consider caring for dahlia bulbs. For example, it is grown as a perennial plant in zone 8 or other warmer areas and leaving the bulbs all year in garden soil is not an issue. However, for colder climates, storing of dahlia bulbs in winter is a necessity to prevent root damage.

How to Store Dahlia Tubers

A single dahlia bulb is made up of many fleshy tubers, each of which will develop into a new plant. As with any plant having bulbs, this tubers are tender and require special attention regarding their preservation.
Otherwise, frosting and low temperature kills the plants and their roots, if they are not stored in warm indoor conditions. In general, dahlia bulb storage is done during fall for next spring plantation. Discussed below is the step-by-step preparation of dahlia tubers for winter storage:

Ideal Time to Start

So, when to dig up soil for dahlia tuber storage? For most gardening enthusiasts, the perfect time to do this is during fall, shortly after frosting. Allow the top plant portion to die off by exposing them to frost. As the leaves and stem turn black and die, wait for about a weeks time and cut back the stem to about 5 - 6 inch from the soil before digging.

Digging Up Dahlia Tubers

While digging up dahlia bulbs, you need to first loosen the soil around the stem from all sides by using an appropriate garden tool (spading fork or shovel).
Make sure you do it gently to avoid injuring the fleshy bulbs. Unnecessary damage increases chances of disease infestation during storage. Then, hold the bottom of the stem and lift up the clump along with adhering soil.

Cleaning Dahlia Bulbs

The main stem should be retained with the clump while cleaning and storing dahlia bulbs. Brush off adhering soil from the bulbs and rinse them with a garden hose, while keeping the skin intact. Or else, you can place them in a mesh bag and wash under a shower head. This will remove dust and dirt without damaging the outer skin of the bulbs.

Dividing and Curing the Bulbs

Use a sharp knife or clippers to divide the dahlia tubers (each having a prominent eye). Ensure that you retain 2-inch stem in each of them. To air dry, cut dahlia tubers, arrange them in a newspaper in one layer, and place them in a corner, away from direct sunlight. Maintain room temperature and leave the tubers for 2 - 3 days for complete drying.

Storing the Bulbs

The next step is treating the bulbs with insecticide and fungicide mixture. You can use sulfur powder to dust the tubers. For storing, place the dahlia tubers in a clean nursery flat lined with paper or cardboard box. Then, store them in a cool and dry place till spring.
This way, you can dig up dahlia bulbs and stock them for planting the next year. Follow correct steps for the storage of these bulbs every year and prepare stocks, rather than buying from nurseries.
As soon as the spring arrives and when the soil temperature is warm enough, plant dahlia bulbs in your flower garden to enjoy full blooms from summer till fall.