What Do You Do With Dahlia Bulbs

Storing dahlia tubers for winter.

What do you do with dahlia bulbs.

Related species include the sunflower daisy chrysanthemum and zinnia they grow from small tubers planted in the spring. Loosen the soil around the dahlia tubers by thrusting the fork or shovel into the ground about a foot away from the plant. Dahlia is a genus of tuberous plants that are members of the asteraceae family. They are grown from tubers which look like a cluster of brown carrot like roots joined by the previous year s dried stem.

To do this press the tubers down onto a tray of shallow compost and leave them to start growth in a greenhouse or in a sunny room. As well as coming in a rainbow of colors dahlia flowers can range in size from petite 2 inch lollipop style pompoms. Before you can remove dahlia bulbs from the ground you will need to cut down the stems. You ll need to dig the tubers up at the end of the season if you live in all but the warmest regions of the usa.

Once the skin is wrinkled the tubers should be dry enough. Digging and storing dahlias for the winter is extremely easy and simple simply follow our guide. You can now leave the roots for two to three more weeks before removing the bulbs. Picking a favorite dahlia is like going through a button box.

You can dig up dahlia tubers with a garden fork or standard shovel. If you ve ever grown dahlias you know they can quickly become a gardener s prize flower. To start seeds indoors use a well drained seed raising mix and position in a warm spot away from direct sunlight. If you garden in zones 3 6 you ll need to dig up your dahlia bulbs and store them indoors for this task you need pruning shears a shovel or.

In hardiness zone 7 dahlias will usually survive the winter outdoors as long if the soil is well drained and the tubers are insulated with a thick layer of mulch to avoid any risk bring the tubers indoors following the instructions for colder zones. Gardeners differ on the best way to pack overwintering dahlia tubers. Dahlias are beautiful tender perennials that flower all summer long. Dahlia tubers of a good size can be divided in spring.

You can buy fresh tubers every spring from garden centres or by mail order or use your own tubers that have been overwintered. You can also grow dahlias from seed which is usually sown in spring though in tropical and sub tropical zones you can sow from mid winter seeds can be started indoors or sown directly into the ground. Be careful not to let the tool come in contact with the tuberous roots which are easily damaged. Keep the compost warm and moist.

Once they are dry they are packed away. You should do this as soon as the first frost of the season has arrived.