Plants with tender bulb like underground parts, such as dahlias, are truly splendid additions to the flower garden. However because of their tender nature they need to be dug up each fall and stored inside for the winter. Proper storage is crucial for these bulbs to bloom again next year, and dahlias are no exception.

After frost has damaged the foliage, carefully loosen the soil all around the plant so as to not damage the fleshy underground structures, and gently lift the plant out of the ground. Cut the foliage leaving about a 3 inch piece of stem [1]. Using a hose, wash the excess soil from the plant [2]; then allow the plant to dry for a day or two in an area away from direct sunlight or drying winds.

Dahlias should not dry out completely , so store them in plastic bags with a few holes punched in them. Place an equal volume of vermiculite or peat moss in the bag to absorb the moisture given off by the roots. The acidity of the peat moss also tends to keep disease organisms to a minimum. The prepared bags should then be kept in a dry dark location at a temperature of 45-50 degrees.

In the spring, the stored dahlias can be divided by breaking the tubers from the stem [3], being sure that each division has a piece of the old stem attached to a segment of the bulb.