Alright, let’s talk about how I take care of my dahlias in the fall. It’s not rocket science, but you gotta do a few things to make sure these beauties come back strong next year.
First, I keep an eye on the leaves. When they start turning brown, I know it’s time to get to work. Usually, this happens sometime in mid-fall. My dahlias stop blooming around this time, which is a good sign that they’re ready for their winter nap.
Now, dahlias are technically annuals, but you can totally save them over the winter. I wait for the first frost to hit, which usually darkens the leaves even more. Then, I grab my shears and cut off most of the top growth, leaving about 2 to 4 inches of stem. This makes it easier to dig up the tubers without accidentally chopping them.
Speaking of digging, I’m super careful when I do this. I use a garden fork and gently loosen the soil around the plant, making sure not to damage the precious tubers. Once I’ve got them out, I give them a good shake to get rid of any excess dirt.
Next, I let the tubers dry for a few days. I find a spot that’s frost-free and out of direct sunlight. You don’t want them to freeze or get sunburned. After a few days, they’re usually dry enough to store.
- Wait for the leaves to turn brown.
- Cut back the stems after the first frost.
- Carefully dig up the tubers.
- Let the tubers dry in a frost-free, shaded spot.
Oh, and one more thing! If you’re planning on growing tall dahlias, you better stake them. Those things can get top-heavy, and you don’t want them flopping over. Also, make sure your soil drains well. Dahlias don’t like soggy feet. I usually add some compost and peat moss to my soil to help with drainage.
And, I don’t water the soil until the dahlia plants appear.
That’s about it! It might sound like a lot, but it’s really not that bad. And trust me, it’s worth it when you see those gorgeous blooms next summer.
