Hi Phil,

Sorry to hear that your tubers haven't been surviving well in storage. That's frustrating, and there could be many reasons why they are failing. Without knowing the exact conditions or seeing your bulbs at planting time, it's hard to say what the issue is.

This publication from OSU Extension describes the common wisdom regarding Dahlia bulb digging and storage: dig and clean the tubers, let them dry out for at least an hour and up to overnight, then store in a cool dry place protected from frost and packed in peat moss, sand, or newspaper.

However, if you live in the Willamette Valley or in a similar climate, you do not necessarily need to dig them at all. Dahlias are winter hardy in zones 8-10. If you have well-drained soil, you can leave them in the ground over the winter. You might try both approaches this year, to see if some survive in the ground where you live. If you do this, your plants will have a good chance of survival if you cut the stalks back and cover them with black plastic and then a layer of mulch to protect the bulbs from frost damage and rot.

If you do decide to dig your bulbs now, spraying the bulbs down with a hose is advisable. Cleaning the bulb clumps makes them lighter and easier to handle and store, and it helps you to see what you are working with if you plan to divide them. While you can plant one bulb and get a healthy plant, you may have better luck if you leave your bulb clusters intact. It's possible that the bulbs you keep don't have eyes on them - these can be really hard to see when you are digging and dividing! To give yourself the best chance at success, I would recommend keeping two or even three bulbs connected to one stalk.

If you have been struggling with bulb desiccation during storage, you might try adding moisture to the packing material, but I would not recommend a warmer spot unless the place you kept them dipped below freezing.
Good luck! Dahlias can be rewarding, some might even say addicting, once you land on a good strategy that works for your soil and climate.

Kind regards - Sarah Bronstein, Master Gardener Trainee

Reviewed by Elizabeth Records (she/hers)
Education Program Assistant 2
Community Horticulture & Master Gardener Volunteer Program
Oregon State University Extension Service | Linn & Benton County

Sarah that you much for your thorough, clear and concise dahlia direction. Will put your advice to work soon. Again, thank you, Phil

Sent from my iPhone



You are so welcome!