Why Lift Tubers?
I choose to lift my dahlias each year because leaving them in the ground over winter can be risky. In cold or wet conditions, tubers can rot, and once that happens they simply will not grow again the following year.
In some cases, dahlias can survive outdoors. If you have a very mild winter and prepare them properly, they may come through. This usually involves cutting the plant back, applying a thick layer of mulch to insulate the tubers, or protecting them with a cloche to keep excess moisture off. Even then, it is never guaranteed.
To be safe, I prefer to bring mine inside.
How to Lift Tubers
After the first frost has blackened the foliage, I cut the stems back and carefully dig the tubers out of the ground. I take my time to avoid damaging them. Once lifted, I gently brush off the soil and leave them to dry for a few days somewhere cool and airy. Some people choose to wash them, but I don’t.
When they are dry, I store them in cardboard boxes filled with sawdust. I keep tubers stored separately rather than all together in one box. If one tuber develops a disease or starts to rot, it can easily spread to the others, so separating them gives a much better chance of saving the rest.
Labelling is essential. I always label each tuber or clump, otherwise I know I will forget which variety is which by spring.
Aftercare
The end of the season is also a good time to clean tools and pots. Any diseases from the previous season can be passed on when you replant the following year, so I make sure everything is properly cleaned and ready before starting the cycle again.
When I unpack the tubers in spring, I check each one carefully. Healthy tubers should feel firm, with no soft spots or signs of rot. I also look for any signs of disease, such as swelling or deformities.
If everything looks good, they are ready to be planted again for another season. It feels like a quiet reset before everything begins again.
My Digging Essentials
