We’ve talked a lot about storing dahlia tubers over the years, and that’s because it’s one of the hardest parts to figure out when growing dahlias. Some of you live in warm climates and don’t always have to worry about digging/overwintering your tubers, but for those of you who need to dig and store your tubers each year, we’ve put together some information about solving potential problems you might experience when storing your tubers.
Dahlias need a few key things to overwinter well. They need:
- a space that is dark
- cool temperatures (but NOT freezing -ideally between 40 and 50 degrees F)
- relative humidity that stays around 80-90% in the storage area
- something to pack them in that will allow them to breathe a little bit, but will keep them safe and cozy all winter
Without these criteria, it will be difficult to successfully overwinter your dahlia tubers. If you’re having storage problems, it’s likely one (or more) of these 4 areas that needs to be adjusted. Here are some common problems we’ve had customers ask about and our suggested solutions.
Help! My tubers are molding! Can they be saved?
As long as your tubers aren’t rotted or too squishy, they can often be saved. Simply wipe the mold off, replace the packing material if it needs it, and put your dahlia back into its storage container. The most likely problem causing the mold is a too-high storage temperature. Is there a cooler place you could move your dahlias to? The other culprit could be too much moisture on the surface/skin of your dahlia tubers. Did you dry your tubers off completely before you placed them into storage? If they seem wet to the touch after wiping off the mold, let the surface dry before putting them back into storage.
My dahlias are shrivelling up! Can they be saved?
If dahlias are not stored in a humid enough environment, they will start to dessicate. The skin of a dahlia tuber does not cure like a pumpkin or other tough-skinned vegetable’s can. This means it can easily lose moisture through its skin during the winter. The tuber will constantly try to find balance between the humidity outside of its skin and the moisture inside of it. So, if there isn’t enough moisture in the air, it will continue to lose moisture, and if it loses too much moisture, the tuber will shrivel up until it’s no longer viable.
If tubers have just started to shrivel and aren’t too far gone, you can still save them. Immediately move them into a contained, higher humidity environment. Don’t soak them in water! Once the moisture has left the tuber, you can’t soak them and get them to plump back up, but you can usually keep them from getting worse.
My tubers are growing roots. What can I do?
You have very vigorous tubers, and that’s good news! If you want to slow them down, make sure they are in the dark and that the storage temperature is cool enough.
My tubers are sprouting and it’s not time to plant yet. Help!
You also have tubers that are ready to grow! Just like someone who has tubers that are growing roots, you too need to move your tubers to a darker and cooler spot to slow them down until the spring.
My tubers look rotted. Is there any hope?
Unfortunately, once they’ve completely rotted, there’s no saving them. This is why it’s important to frequently check your dahlia tubers. Growing dahlias is really a year round hobby, even though the blooming season is only a few months. You can often catch problems before it’s too late to save your tubers if you’re checking them throughout the winter. If you detect a problem early enough, small rotten tips or even spots along the body of the tuber can be gently cut off. Allow the cleaned tubers to air dry for a few hours until the cut parts begin to callus, and then return them to storage. Removing any rotten parts prevents the problem from spreading.
More Helpful Info about Storing Dahlia Tubers
- Dahlia Tuber Storage Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions about Digging and Storing Dahlia Tubers
- Digging and Storing Dahlia Tubers
- How to Store Dahlia Tubers Efficiently
