How to properly store dahlia tubers in winter

Dahlias decorate gardens with their bright and lush flowers both in summer and autumn. Therefore, many gardeners try to preserve the grown crop of dahlia tubers until spring. Some people have difficulty storing rhizomes in winter. After all, from a properly prepared winter storage the further quality of the plants depends.

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As soon as the first autumn frosts have begun and the leaves of the flowers have begun to die, you can begin digging up the tubers. If you delay it, severe frosts can destroy the leaves and stems. As a result, they will begin to die and rot. As a result, rotted stems will spread to the roots.

Tubers must be kept from beautiful and large bushes. The rhizomes of weakened and thin bushes will not take root. To avoid breaking it out, the flower stems must be broken off or trimmed before digging.

When cutting stems, leave stumps 20-30 cm in size. This is done for convenience and also to avoid damaging the root collar. Then carefully dig up the bush with a shovel. Even if the tubers were damaged during digging, do not be upset, they will still shorten.

Next, shake the dug bush off the ground and rinse with water. Excess shoots from tubers can be trimmed using scissors. Tubers need to be shortened by about 15 cm.If possible, tubers should be treated with a fungicide solution. After this, you can divide the rhizome.

Cut the stems almost to the very base of the tubers. On each separated tuber there should be kidneys present. If the tubers are very hard and have underdeveloped buds, then you can leave them whole.

They can be used for cuttings. Each division must be inspected for damage and signs of disease. If there are dark brown or rusty stains, they must be removed.

At the initial stage of infection, you may notice a white coating on the tubers. If nothing is done, the tuber will infect other planting materials and will not survive until spring.

Before storing, it is advisable to leave the flower roots for 10 days in a room with a low but positive temperature. This is done to prevent corking of the skin and healing of superficial wounds on the tubers.

In order for dahlia tubers to successfully overwinter, they need to create all the necessary conditions. Before placing the tubers in boxes or containers, you should leave them for a while to dry.

You can store tubers on racks. This method is quite simple and can be used by novice gardeners. Pour sand onto the racks and place the prepared dahlia tubers. They should first be placed in boxes and covered with any materials.

After this, place the rhizomes in prepared bags. They are filled with a special mixture - vermiculite, which designed for storage. It is important to tie the bags well.

In addition to vermiculite, experienced gardeners already use moss for storage.Planting material is wrapped in moss and placed in bags. However, as a material for wintering it is used with caution. Dry moss draws moisture from the plant, while wet moss can lead to rotting.

To maintain constant moisture, it is necessary to sprinkle the tubers with sand, sawdust, peat, pine needles, etc. You can cover it with newspaper or put it in plastic or wooden boxes. Cover the bottom of the box with any paper; old newspapers will do. You can use plastic film.

Cover the top with a thin layer of dry soil. Then lay out the tubers and sprinkle with soil. Using the same technology, lay the next row of tubers. Make sure that the tubers do not come into contact with each other, as this can lead to infection. After this, cover the box and place it in the basement or cellar.

Another storage method rhizomes using a clay mash. This method allows you to protect the tubers from drying out. It is prepared as follows: pour regular red clay with water so that the consistency resembles sour cream.

Add copper sulfate and potassium permanganate in equal quantities to the clay solution and stir well. There should be no lumps. Each tuber is dipped into the prepared mash, taken out and left to dry. Next, place in bags and place in a box using the above technology.

The third method of storing tubers is using paraffin. The waxing procedure is quite labor-intensive. To do this, you will need paraffin, which can be purchased at a pharmacy or paraffin candles. It should be heated to a temperature of 70-80 degrees.

Heat the candles in a water bath until a liquid mass is obtained. Wet the tuber on all sides. As a result, the rhizome should be completely covered with a layer of paraffin.Leave them to cool. This procedure should be performed with each tuber.

The waxing method allows you to protect tubers from the adverse effects of external factors. This method is usually used for early varieties, which begin to germinate in December or January.

Tubers should be stored at a temperature no higher than 7-10 degrees. The humidity in the room should be about 70-80%. A basement, balcony and other places that meet these indicators are suitable for storage.

Boxes with tubers should not be placed next to heating devices or in drafts.

In winter, it is necessary to regularly monitor the tubers, check humidity and temperature. Festering areas should be cut off, then covered with coal and dried in air. After that, put it back.

If there is excessive moisture, the bags should be opened and left to air.

Paper or newspapers should be placed in cardboard and wooden boxes. This will prevent lack of moisture. If you use plastic bags, you must make holes in them.

Dahlia tubers should only be stored in a cool place. If this is a balcony, then before the onset of frost you should remove the rhizomes to another place. It is not recommended to store dahlia rhizomes along with potatoes.

Make sure that the planting material does not dry out or freeze. If the tubers dry out and wrinkle, moisten them periodically. In spring, the rhizomes are transferred to a warm place. An increase in temperature helps awaken the kidneys.

Knowledge of all the subtleties when storing dahlia tubers in winter will allow you to admire the lush flowering all summer long.

Useful video about proper care of dahlia tubers in winter: