How we store our dahlia tubers (zone 8) on our south west England flower farm

Join flower farmer and florist Georgie Newbery of Common Farm Flowers in sunny Somerset in south west England as she stores ...

This article is a summary of a YouTube video "How we store our dahlia tubers (zone 8) on our south west England flower farm" by Blossom Flower Delivery

Key insights about video How we store our dahlia tubers (zone 8) on our south west England flower farm

🍂 The video host is sharing a storage method for dahlias tubers and welcomes new viewers to subscribe to the channel for more gardening tips.

🌱 The host has lifted around 90 dahlia tubers to keep, while the spares are intended for a plant sale.

🥔 Leaving a small amount of earth on the dahlia tubers is beneficial as it acts as a moisture absorber during winter storage.

🖍️ The host labels the tubers directly with an indelible pen to identify the varieties when they are dry and easily identifiable.

🔪 Stalks are trimmed down to prevent hollow stems from retaining moisture which could lead to rot.

🌚 Tubers are stored upside down in dark conditions to discourage premature sprouting.

❄️ Dahlias are kept in a cool, dry, and relatively dark space to prevent rot and sprouting, similar to storing potatoes.

✂️ If desired, dahlias can be divided into smaller plants by carefully splitting the tubers.

📆 The host mentions hosting a dahlia workshop to cover the full process of lifting, storing, and propagating dahlias.

🐭 There is a mention of the risk of losing stored tubers to mice, indicating the importance of choosing a safe storage method.

Timestamped Summary

00:15 The host mentions that you can support the channel by buying them a coffee or joining their club.

00:23 The host has lifted approximately 90 daahlia tubers from the garden and plans to keep them.

01:17 Explains why stackable trays with side grips are convenient for storing daahlia tubers.

01:47 The host advises against washing the tubers, instead shaking off excess soil and leaving some earth on them to absorb moisture over the winter.

02:15 Discusses the reasons for leaving a bit of earth on the tubers: it acts as a moisture gatherer.

03:19 Describes the process of taking cuttings from the tubers to grow the next year's stock instead of replanting the same tubers, to prevent disease.

03:57 Emphasizes the importance of keeping the tubers dry to prevent rot and the varying methods gardeners can use for daahlia care.

04:46 Demonstrates trimming the tubers to save space and prevent damp from entering the hollow stems.

05:50 After splitting the tubers, the video demonstrates the process of separating them for potential individual plants.

07:02 The host describes what to do if tubers are loose or split when handling them.

08:11 Shows the arrangement of stored tubers with the ones for keeping on the left and spare ones for the plant sale on the right.

09:04 The host gives advice on the ideal conditions for storing tubers: cool, dry, not frozen or too warm, to prevent sprouting.

09:23 Mentions an upcoming daahlia workshop on the 15th of November for more in-depth discussions.

10:31 The host explains the placement of the trays in a cool, north-facing space for the winter, emphasizing the importance of cool conditions.

11:55 Discusses the risks of mice eating the tubers and suggests that losses may occur due to this rather than temperature factors.

12:30 The video concludes with a reminder that there are many ways to handle daahlia care and that gardeners should choose the methods that suit them best.

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Q&A

How do I store my dahlias?

To store your dahlias, you can leave a bit of soil on the tubers as it acts as a moisture absorber. Shake off the worst of the soil but don’t wash them as it can add too much moisture and cause rot. Use an old baking tray to lay the tubers upside down so they don't start to sprout. Store them in a cool, dry, dark place, such as in trays on trestles that allow for air circulation.

Should I wash my dahlia tubers before storing them?

It's not recommended to wash your dahlia tubers because retaining some soil helps absorb moisture and too much water can lead to dampness and rot. Instead, shake off excess soil and store them with a bit of earth still clinging to the tubers.

Can I leave my dahlias in the ground over winter?

Yes, you can leave dahlias in the ground if you wish. If you choose to do so, protect them with a lot of mulch to insulate against the cold and ensure the mulch doesn't wash away in the winter.

How do I label my stored dahlia tubers?

Use an indelible pen to write the variety code directly onto the tuber after it has dried a little. This way, even if the label fades over time, you can still identify the variety.

Can I split the dahlia tubers?

Yes, you can split the dahlia tubers during storage if they are coming apart. However, be gentle as you separate them to avoid damage. You can also wait to split them in the spring.

What conditions do dahlia tubers need for winter storage?

Dahlia tubers should be stored in conditions similar to storing potatoes – cool, dry, and not frozen or too warm. The storage space should have good air circulation and be relatively dark.

Do I need to cut back the stalks when storing dahlia tubers?

Yes, most of the stalk should be cut back to save space and prevent damp from entering through a hollow stalk. Cut back the stalks but not down to the nub to prevent moisture from seeping into the tuber.