When to dig dahlias in the fall and how to store them

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

Dahlia is a plant that adorns any site. It is not surprising that the majestic flower is rightfully called the "Queen of Autumn". After planting a plant, every gardener wonders how and when to dig up dahlias. Moreover, a whimsical culture requires the right storage conditions, which must also be taken into account.

Do I need to dig dahlias for the winter

It is impossible to name the exact date when it is necessary to dig up dahlias for the winter. It all depends on the weather conditions and the characteristics of the region. Experienced summer residents recommend digging out flowers at the end of September, and a year later - by the beginning of November. Gardeners always carry out this procedure in the fall, since dahlias cannot withstand even small frosts.

After the onset of cold weather, the leaves and shoots of the plant begin to blacken and wither. Gardeners assure that the longer a dahlia is kept in the garden, the more dangerous it is for the site. If you do not dig up the flowers in a timely manner, the frozen stems will begin to rot. This will lead to complete infestation of the tubers.

Experienced gardeners recommend keeping a close eye on the weather forecast. It is better to dig up the plants a couple of days ahead of schedule in order to protect them as much as possible from the cold. In the southern regions, the dahlia can be left alone. Even though the climate is cold, the flowers will not be damaged in any way.

When to dig dahlias in the fall

In Central Russia, it is recommended to dig up dahlias in mid to late October. As a rule, the first frosts begin to appear closer to November. In the middle zone of the country, especially in the Moscow region, this period is considered the most favorable for excavation.

Things are different in the Urals. Here it is recommended to dig up dahlias as early as possible, since in the northern part of Russia the cold sets in quite sharply. The optimal period is the end of September.

In Siberia, summer ends very quickly. Here crops are grown with a short growing season. Despite the rapid onset of cold weather, dahlias are suitable for growing in the Siberian climate. However, in this case, gardeners take into account the characteristics of each variety. Dahlias with dark inflorescences are dug up first, and flowers grown from annual tubers are extracted last.

How to dig dahlias correctly: step by step

Before digging, you need to attach a tag to each plant. This reduces the risk of confusion between color types.

After that, you can act:

1. Trim the stems carefully at a height of 30 cm.
2. Remove all excess leaves.
3. Dig in the bushes on all sides. This must be done so as not to damage the dahlia root system.
4. Dig up the tubers.
5. Take out the roots and gently shake off the ground. In no case should you shake the bush.
6. Rinse the tubers lightly with a hose.
7. Place the roots in the shade.

After the plant has been dug up, you need to start stripping. It is done as follows:

1. Trim off small roots and excess processes. It is necessary to leave only full-fledged tubers that have renewal buds.
2. Remove the trunk closer to the roots. The distance from the kidneys should not exceed 10 cm.
3. Dry the planting material.

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How to store dahlias at home

There are now several ways in which you can store the roots of dahlias. Each method has its own characteristics that must be taken into account.

In the box

For storage, cardboard boxes are used. They are stored in a cool place. It can be a vestibule, loggia, balcony or cold corridor.

To place dahlias correctly, you must:

1. Insulate the bottom of the boxes with lining and dry soil.
2. Lay out the prepared tubers.
3. Sprinkle soil on top.

In this sequence, it is necessary to alternate the tubers and the ground several times. At the same time, it is recommended to periodically review the contents of the boxes. This will allow timely identification of rotted rhizomes.

In paraffin

This is one of the most time consuming yet efficient storage methods. Moreover, waxing has several advantages. It prevents the tubers from drying out, kills germs and preserves the protective layer.

What do we have to do:

1. Grind the paraffin and then place in a saucepan.
2. Place the container in a pot of water and over the fire.
3. Once the paraffin has melted, dip individual roots into it.
4. Remove and cool the dahlias.

As a result, a thin protective film is formed. After the procedure, the roots can be placed in a linen bag or small box. The main thing is to keep the dahlias in a cool place.

It should be noted that this method is not suitable for plant bushes. It can be used exclusively for individual roots.

In sand

For storage, you will need a container with dense walls without holes and dried sand. It should not contain any impurities. All that needs to be done is to fill the container with sand and roots, alternating between them. The main thing here is to ensure that the material remains dry.

In sawdust

A very simple storage method. To do this, it is best to choose large sawdust or conifer shavings. This is necessary so that during storage it does not thicken and allows oxygen to pass through.

This method involves alternating the plant with a layer of protective material. The main thing is not to moisten the sawdust in any way. This will provoke root rot or premature flower growth.

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In vermiculite

Vermiculite is a material that retains moisture. That is why it is often used to store roots. Thanks to vermiculite, they will not dry out.

To achieve this effect, you must:

1. Pour material into the bottom of a box or drawer.
2. Lay down the dahlias.
3. Pour vermiculite onto the roots.
4. Cover the container with plastic wrap.
5. Place the roots in a cool place.

This will require alternating several times. The last layer should be vermiculite.

It is worth remembering that the amount of material is equal to the volume of the roots. During storage, dahlias must be checked periodically to prevent the growth of shoots.

Outcomes

Dahlias are a plant that requires careful handling. If you remove and store the sprouts correctly, you can delight yourself in a year with new flowers. Thanks to the advice and recommendations of gardeners, now everyone knows how and when to dig dahlias in the fall, how to select the roots and maintain them correctly.