Save your dahlia tubers for next year’s blooms! Learn how to overwinter them with these proper lifting, storing, and replanting techniques to enjoy vibrant blooms next spring.
As the leaves start to turn and that familiar autumn chill creeps in, it’s time for us gardeners to face the bittersweet reality: those tender bulbs and tubers we adore—especially our beloved dahlia tubers—won’t make it through a New Jersey winter. While they bring such vibrant joy to our gardens all summer long, they’re just not built for frost.
So what can you do? Overwintering is the answer. Sure, it takes a bit of effort, and not every bulb makes it through, but the payoff is huge.
Think about it: guaranteed blooms next spring, you’ll spend less money buying new dahlia tubers, the chance to try out fancy new varieties, and, let’s be honest, bragging rights for keeping those babies alive!
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Understanding Tender Bulbs & The Importance of Overwintering Dahlia Tubers
In a nutshell, a “tender bulb” is any plant that grows from a bulb or tuber but is too delicate to handle freezing temps. Here in colder zones like my New Jersey climate, they’re often treated like annuals, which is a shame because they’re so much more than that!
Overwintering dahlia tubers, in particular, is crucial to preserving these stunning flowers for future seasons so you save what you love and spend less money in the process. Cause let’s face it…those tubers are expensive!
Tender Perennials: Dahlias & Beyond
- Dahlias: These divas come in a mind-boggling array of colors and shapes. Dahlia flowers are my absolute favorites, even if they are a bit high-maintenance when it comes to overwintering dahlia tubers.
- Cannas: Tropical vibes galore! Big, bold leaves and exotic flowers, perfect for adding a touch of drama.
- Gladiolus: Tall spikes of color, like fireworks in your garden. Classic and elegant.
- Calla Lilies: So graceful, so sophisticated. These beauties are begging to be in a vase.
- Tuberous Begonias: Pendulous flowers that look like little roses, and foliage that’s just as gorgeous.
- Elephant Ears: Instant jungle vibes! These massive leaves create a statement wherever you plant them.
- Caladiums: Shade-loving superstars with leaves that look like they were painted by an artist.
Why Overwinter & Store Your Dahlia Tubers?
Let’s be real, tender bulbs can be pricey. Overwintering, especially when it comes to storing dahlia tubers, is a way to protect your investment and get the most bang for your buck. Plus, you’ll have a head start on next year’s blooms, and who doesn’t love that?
And for those of us who love to experiment, overwintering opens up a whole world of possibilities. You can try out rare or hard-to-find varieties without breaking the bank.
The Dahlia Dilemma: To Overwinter or Not?
Now, I know many of you are wondering: Do dahlias come back every year? Well, it depends. If you’re lucky enough to live in zones 7-10, you might get away with leaving them in the ground and giving them a thick layer of mulch for protection.
But here in New Jersey (zone 6b), we have to dig up and store dahlia tubers indoors. It’s a bit of work, but trust me, it’s worth it! Dahlias can live for many years if you overwinter them properly, and they even multiply, so you can share the love (or expand your collection).
And if you are growing dahlias in pots and live in cooler climate, you’ll still need to lift the tubers and properly store them for winter or treat them like annuals.
Lifting & Storing Dahlia Tubers
Alright, let’s get down to business. Here in New Jersey, we need to dig up our precious dahlia tubers before the ground freezes.
Supplies Needed
While digging up dahlia tubers is fairly simple, there are a few things you need to store them. The tubers are a bit finicky when overwintering, so they must be treated with extra care if you want them to survive the winter.
Here’s what you need.
- Garden Spray Nozzle
- Garden Fork
- Pruners or Loppers
- Plant tags
- Crates, cardboard boxes and/or brown paper bags
- Sphagnum Peat
- Garden Hose
Before the First Frost
Label your plants: This is crucial if you have multiple varieties, especially dahlias. Trust me, you don’t want to be playing guessing games in the spring. I have dug up many tubers and not recalled which variety they are so label them well before the first frost
After the First Frost: Lifting and Storing Dahlia Tubers
Cut back the foliage
Leave about 4-6 inches of stem so you have something to grab onto when you’re digging.
Carefully dig up the bulbs/tubers
Use a garden fork to loosen the soil and gently lift the bulbs or, in the case of dahlias, the dahlia tubers out. Be careful not to damage them!
Hose off the excess soil
Give those bulbs/tubers a good rinse to remove any dirt or debris.
Inspect for damage
Discard any bulbs/tubers that are shriveled, soft, or diseased.
Dry them out
Let the bulbs/tubers dry in a frost-free location for a few days. Don’t stack them too high, or they might bruise each other.
Trim and clean
Once they’re dry, remove any remaining soil and cut the stems back to about an inch. Make sure the inside of the stem is dry too.
Packing & Storing Dahlia Tubers and Other Tender Bulbs
- Label everything: Seriously, don’t skip this step! You’ll thank yourself later.
- Pack them up: Place similar bulbs/tubers together in cardboard boxes or paper bags. Use packing material like sphagnum peat to cushion them and prevent damage.
- Find a cool, dry spot to store dahlia tubers and other bulbs: Ideally, you want a temperature between 45-55 degrees F. A basement or unheated garage works well.
Winter Check-Ups:
Keep an eye on your bulbs/tubers: Check them periodically for signs of rot or drying out. If they’re shriveled, mist them lightly with water. If you see any rot, trim it away to prevent it from spreading.
Springtime! Replanting Your Overwintered Treasures
Once the danger of frost has passed, it’s time to replant! If you’re feeling ambitious, you can start your dahlia tubers indoors in late February to get a head start on the season. I wrote an article about planting dahlia tubers in the spring – read it here.
My First Dahlia Overwintering Adventure
I’ll admit, I was a bit nervous the first time I tried overwintering dahlia tubers. They have a reputation for being finicky, but I was pleasantly surprised! I did lose a few, but most of them made it through, and they rewarded me with a stunning display of blooms.
In Conclusion
Overwintering dahlia tubers might seem intimidating, but it’s truly a rewarding experience. Not only will you save money and ensure beautiful blooms next year, but you’ll also gain a deeper appreciation for the magic of gardening. So, give it a try, and don’t be afraid to experiment! Your garden will thank you for it.
Have you ever overwintered dahlias or other tender bulbs before? Or do you prefer to treat them as annuals? Do you live in a locality where you can leave them in the ground? I would love to know more in the comments below.
For more information about lifting dahlia tubers for winter, read this article from Washington State University.
Thanks for stopping by the blog today!
Enjoy your day! xoxo
More Fall Gardening Posts You May Enjoy
If you want to learn more about what to do in the fall garden this year, check out these posts.
- 9 Must-Do Garden Chores Checklist
- Fall Gardening – Where to Start?
- 5 Reasons You Should Grow Lenten Rose
- The Ultimate Guide to Having an Everblooming Colorful Garden
- How to Plant Bulbs in the Fall
- The Best Fall Garden Flowers
- Why Aren’t My Hydrangeas Blooming
