The Party Is Over For Dahlias!

With many of us experiencing our first frost, dahlia season has come to an abrupt end. But that’s ok, because it is time to dig and divide now. I first begin by cutting the foliage back to about 6” above the ground. By leaving that much, it enables you to keep the tubers attached to the main stem and to be able to grab the stem and pull it from the ground once it’s released from the soil. Using a small pitchfork (or a trowel if you’re growing dahlias in containers), insert about 12” from the base of the stem so that you don’t accidentally puncture any tubers. Do this around all sides, loosening the soil and eventually you’ll see the tubers and stem raise up slightly. When this happens, gently brush off the soil while getting your hands underneath the tubers. Be very careful not to break or bend the tubers where they connect to the main stem.

After you’re brushed off the soil with your hands, spray the remainder of the soil off with a hose. After rinsing and letting the tubers dry for no more than one day in the garage, divide the tubers with a sharp knife ensuring that you have a healthy, firm tuber, the skinny neck at the top and at least a few knobby future ‘eyes’ where the neck meets the old main stem. There are many photos online showing exactly how to divide tubers properly. We wrap our tubers in plastic wrap and store them in our garage which hovers around 40 degrees F throughout the winter.

Be sure to check on your tubers once or twice in the winter to ensure no mold or desiccation. Let them sleep away the winter while we dream of spring!