DAHLIAS: HOW TO DIG & DIVIDE / DAHLIA STORAGE FOR WINTER / TUBER SIZE VS PRODUCTION / MY FAV DAHLIA

It’s time to dig and store DAHLIAS! But how? In this video we show how we overwinter our dahlia tubers in the northeast, we dig the dahlias, clean them up, divide the tubers into single tubers and store them individually wrapped in a cool dark cooler! This video will show you step by step how to store your dahlia tubers for the winter and even how to start dividing those massive intimidating clumps. Dividing dahlias is not hard when you remember a few key points. Once you’ve divided clumps a few times, you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried before!

[@jaynetanner3757]

This was one of the most helpful "how to divide dahlias" videos i have watched because your dahlias looked all lumpy bumpy and clumpy just like mine , so thank you for giving me the courage to chop them up into smaller clumps and individual singles, I have never been brave enough to do that before

[@GuidingGreenThumbs]

Thanks! I have watched many myself prior to making this video… most showed perfect “obvious where to divide” clumps. I never seem to have those! Haha. So it was still Intimidating for me to divide so I figured people would run into the same scenario as me. Glad you found it helpful!

[@terrywalkenhorst365]

I watch a lot of gardening channels and you gave me the best explanation and gave me more comfort in what I have done. ❤

[@itsmewende]

I'll be lifting mine this yr. I had success leaving some last yr, I'm in zone 7b, my dinner plate had just one huge bloom, so I'm hoping for a better turn out next yr. I watch a flower farmer florist in the UK, she just lifts, cleans and stories them in plastic crates, like huge orders of bulbs come in. No more than that, no wrapping, no vermiculite, no nothing, I'm giving that a try, she said just be sure there's air flow.

[@GuidingGreenThumbs]

I wish I was brave enough to experiment that way but I kinda like to know how many tubers I have and then in the spring all the work Is already done. I also store in a concrete garage which will suck the moisture right out the tubers if they’re not protected. Her way sounds so much easier though!!

[@itsmewende]

@@GuidingGreenThumbs I do like the fact of having them ready to go, but I figure now or later, it still has to be done. Good point about the concrete.

[@MillieOsborne]

This is what I do. No problems.

[@rattriffic]

Thanks for a great video. This is the 1st year that I personally had to divide dalias. It was so scared. Your video was a really great example and I love that you showed an easy one and a not so easy one. I find everybody takes a nice perfectly grown Dahlia with 10 tubers that are evenly spaced and shows how to divide it and they don't show you these nightmare giant clusters of 40 tubers and how to get through those. Just a tip that I happened to stumble upon when I accidentally got sent the wrong pruners. For those big center stalks get yourself a pair of bypass pruners. They look just like Your regular hand held prunners but When you cut through they have a hinge where you can leave your blades still halfway through the stalk and it gives you more power to cut through the 2nd time Without killing your hands. When I 1st got them I was like you I hate these and they don't work well for just cutting little branches and stuff. Then when I started trying to cut through all these huge Dahlia stalcks I drugged them out thinking they might be sharper since they were brand new because I was killing my hands trying to get through them. They are amazing. You can find them on Amazon for like 15 bucks. They were a total handsaver

[@GuidingGreenThumbs]

So funny that you mention the videos with perfectly spaced tubers, that’s exactly why I made this one. Those nice ones to divide are few and far between here especially with our crappy soil haha. Thanks for the bypass pruner tip!

[@teresab6502]

Your process is EXACTLY the same as mine. The only difference is that I put my plastic wrapped tubers in a cardboard box in my basement. I’m going to try your cooler method. Seems like a better way to control the climate. Great video as always.

[@GuidingGreenThumbs]

Thanks!

[@thomasvirta7904]

Very clear and friendly explanation, thank you! Here in Northern Finland we have a long winter and the air in our storage place is very dry. Probably wrapping the tubers with plastic would help them to keep their moisture. I´ll try that in the next winter! By the way: I enjoyed observing the forest in your video. So many species! All the best to you and thanks again for the explanation! Best regards, Thomas

[@GuidingGreenThumbs]

Glad it was helpful! All of my tubers are waking up just great! I love our little neck of the woods. There are so many birds, plants and ecosystems around.

[@nancyleeper3113]

Thank you for this timely video! Now that the rain has stopped and the sun is shining, I’m going out to dig up my dahlias and just so happens, I have the same storage container that you used! This will be my first year over wintering my dahlias and you really make it look easy! Thank you for your clear explanation! I’m not so intimidated now! I’m just going for it and if they bloom next season, I’ll be thrilled and if they don’t…oh well…I know where I can get more! Sounds like a win win to me!🌸🌺

[@GuidingGreenThumbs]

Thanks Nan! Good luck! I’m sure you’ll do great!

[@chiarinadicintio4531]

This is my first year growing dahlias and I’ve been searching quite a number of videos for dahlia winter storage and this is by far the clearest one. Ill definitely be following your instructions. I live in zone 4 so need to decide when the best time to dig them up. It’s now middle of October.

[@GuidingGreenThumbs]

Thanks for your feedback! ❤️

[@nancyjensen6409]

It’s my 1st year also. I enjoyed your video however I found one other one that was also excellent. I didn’t see the name of the presenter though. Wish me luck. 🎉❤🎉

[@marinasnetkova473]

So happy to find your channel! I watched a bunch of videos now and see a lot of similarities with my garden experience, choice of plants, similar climate zone, similar problems… I admire your beautiful borders and your knowledge! This is the best video on dividing dahlias I’ve seen. I am trying vermiculite this year 😊

[@GuidingGreenThumbs]

Thanks for the comment! I appreciate the love! Let me know how the vermiculite goes! I will be needing to expand my options for next year (I’ve ordered a slew of new ones to try!) 😊

[@thecakepopsistars]

Thank you so much for sharing! So glad to find your channel from zone 5 Canada

[@VancouverIslandgirl]

Very thorough explanation,thank you 😊🌺

[@michellekoehler2019]

I can’t wait to see if all my divisions make it next year. This was my first year growing,digging and storing dahlias.

[@GuidingGreenThumbs]

Nice! We will compare notes in the spring!!

[@gizziejubilee]

I grew dahlias for the first time ever this year they were stunning and very prolific im zone 7b New Mexico im leaving them in the ground to see if they'll over winter if not ill be trying this method next year for sure this video was really helpful nway love your garden and video's and your husbands imput also 😊🌻🌸🦋

[@GuidingGreenThumbs]

Thanks Ray! Good luck! How awesome it would be if they overwintered in the ground!

[@GuidingGreenThumbs]

Thanks Ray! Good luck! How awesome it would be if they overwintered in the ground!

[@debra9174]

I just found your channel and have been catching up…. Love your videos and all the info you provide! I live in 5b Colorado and started gardening a couple of years ago. I tried over-wintering dahlias after watching other videos….with vermiculite to no avail and then wood chips to no avail. They totally shriveled up. I will definitely try wrapping with plastic wrap this fall…crossing my fingers. 😊 Ps. I grew up in Rochester NY

[@majesticgardener5862]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!! I was really hoping that you would make this video. It was perfect. I can’t wait to try this method. ❤❤❤

[@GuidingGreenThumbs]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@majesticgardener5862]

@@GuidingGreenThumbs I always learn a lot from you videos. Thank you!

[@galeluby3471]

I will be gone for 4 months snowbirding with no one to check my tubers, maybe I should NOT use the saran wrap? stored in a dirt and stone cellar with a light bulb to keep it storage closet above freezing. I had some dahlias survive one year with no supplemental heat but another year lost them all. these are seed grow cactus from Baker Creek. Now to check out the rest of your videos!!! gale in NH

[@GuidingGreenThumbs]

The biggest concern for overwintering is humidity and temperature levels. 40-45° with high humidity if you don’t use the wrap. Is there anyone who can peek at them at the end of month 2?

[@Queenvic8]

Hi doesn’t the tubers go mouldy wrapped in cling film ? Great video !

[@user-do4co8my8l]

Thank you for the informative video. This is my first time storing dahlias. My basement is about 60 degrees and my unfinished garage freezes. I’m in Michigan zone 6a. How/where would you suggest storing them?

[@donnamantellato4094]

Here where I live in Australia our winter doesn't get cold enough to have to remove tubers. What would the plant look like if I just left the big clump in the ground. This was very informative. Thanks

[@GuidingGreenThumbs]

Good question! You would get an increasingly larger and bushier plant, however after a few years you would still need to dig and divide the tubers to maintain them.

[@donnamantellato4094]

@@GuidingGreenThumbs Thank you so much.

[@darcieflanary7513]

Love your channel. GO VOLS!!!

[@GuidingGreenThumbs]

Thanks Darcie!

[@richbishop7896]

I'm going to go wrap my dahlias in saran wrap now.

[@emptynestgardens9057]

I'm totally trying this next year because after 3 seasons nothing else I've tried works. Big part of that is that fact I'm in Zone5 with an uninsulated garage and a fully finished basement with a woodstove. I'm going to try the extra fridge in basement. If that doesn't work I'm done with dahlias *sigh. Thank you for sharing your process. EDIT - What are your thoughts then about just wrapping them in newspaper strips instead of plastic?

[@GuidingGreenThumbs]

Hey! I honestly think the Saran Wrap helps to keep them more hydrated thank just throwing them in newspaper. I feel like it creates a barrier first, yet allows them to breathe and adjust moisture when needed by supplementing the newspaper. So far they are doing great and haven’t had to do a thing to them. Def try this… I think it’s really the easiest way without too much expense or bother.

[@emptynestgardens9057]

@@GuidingGreenThumbs ok this will be my game plan for next Fall. Let the Dahlia shopping begin 😁🤞🏻🤞🏻 Happy New Year 🎆🥂

[@janetadair1112]

Question. When you said you check on them during the winter and let them breathe... Does that mean you take off the saran wrap and leave them out for an hour to breathe and then rewrap them? Thanks!!! This was my first year with dahlias. Your videos have definitely helped.

[@GuidingGreenThumbs]

I check on them meaning I give them the old squeeze test and make sure they’re still firm and hydrated. I do not unwrap them because they are loosely wrapped to begin with. They aren’t wrapped airtight and shouldn’t be. The Saran Wrap is just used as a barrier between tubers.

[@thyselfjewelry2898]

Hi I’m in zone 10 California- it’s November if I split now can I immediately plant them thanks

[@GuidingGreenThumbs]

I believe so! If you can normally overwinter in the ground in your zone you can immediately replant. Yes.

[@nancyjensen6409]

Yours is the second storing video I’ve watched and now I’m confused. Is it safe in my high desert climate of 6b to wrap the tubers in Saran Wrap? I thought that would make them rot?? Someone help.

[@GuidingGreenThumbs]

The biggest concern for overwintered dahlias is temperature and humidity. If you are keeping them in a low humidity environment, Saran Wrap will be a huge help to keep them from drying out. There are a ton of options to store dahlias and not everyone will have similar conditions… you just have to know your storage variables and use what will work in your environment. This way works best for me. 🙂

[@amyhoff1501]

I dug my few Dahlias weeks ago and forgot all about them in the shed. They seem alright and I will put them in storage tomorrow. Is it ok not to divide?

[@GuidingGreenThumbs]

You never HAVE to divide them, it’s totally up to you!! You can store them in whole clumps for sure. As long as they are still firm, they’re just fine.

[@greentreesmatter]

So the tubers growing underneath the ones on top won't have an eye?

[@GuidingGreenThumbs]

They can! It depends how they are connected to the main stem. I’ve divided plenty from the bottoms of the clumps that have eyes just as visible as the ones on top.

[@joliecallison6768]

@8:33 So what WAS that sound anyway??

[@juliepuhr9806]

I am zone five central illinois. What state r you? My garage isn’t heated.

[@GuidingGreenThumbs]

Im on zone 5b, if you monitor your temperature in your garage (especially if attached to your home, you’ll get an idea of how warm/cold it stays. Unheated garages that are attached to homes can have a spot that works without freezing. If unattached it’s probably going to be too cold of your winters have brutal cold.

[@doniellestenson3502]

I wish we could leave them in ground. Im 5b. No luck storing last year. Im thinking of digging the entire clump. Dirt included. place it in a large plastic pot. Store in a dark cool place. Ive had luck doing this with Acidanthus corms. The soil inhibits dessication. I've also bought dahlia tubers at the dollarstore that are gorgeous. Thank you for your advice to us.

[@GuidingGreenThumbs]

I hear that! It’s a lot of work… people have had success lots of ways! It can’t hurt to try it any way!

[@vickirudolph2941]

I have Dahlia tubers from box store that never got planted this year, sadly. Can it store them as you did & plant next year? ( Zone 7 Virginia )

[@GuidingGreenThumbs]

Depends what they look like… if they are firm and still viable sure!! If they are dehydrated and wrinkled or soft, most likely they won’t sprout but it’s always worth a try! Feel free to send me a pic of the tubers to my Facebook page!

[@sydneyolson3473]

Do you leave them out to dry for a bit after the last rinse, before wrapping them in the saran wrap?

[@GuidingGreenThumbs]

Sure do! At least overnight or 12 hours. They have to be dry enough to write on them, you shouldn’t leave them longer than 24 hours to dry or they could start to dehydrate

[@alw5101]

Oh man I’m so bummed..my dahlias looked dried up when I dug them up.. should I throw them out and start from scratch and buy new ones?

[@GuidingGreenThumbs]

Send me a pic to my Facebook messenger… I’ll try to take a look at them and let you know!

[@peggymills4837]

I need to try dahlias. Is that a TN Vols jacket, Shelly?

[@GuidingGreenThumbs]

It is! My sister lives in TN for a while and she gave it to me. 😊

[@jadeforestco]

I grew Dahlia for the first time this year. I dug mine 3 days ago (I'm in your zone). I noticed the big tubers are firm and nice, but the smaller ones have shriveled. Is that normal?

[@GuidingGreenThumbs]

The thinner smaller tubers that are a pencil thickness or thinner, I snip them right off to get better access to the stockier tubers. If they are shriveled I would def discard them. I haven’t had any thinner ones shrivel on me right away so if you plan to keep them I would keep them separate to see how they hold up. Feel free to send me a pic on my FB page… facebook.com/GreenThumbDesigner

[@deannaginder-west4995]

Mine did the same thing. I just went down and checked on mine and the skinny ones were like paper and the big ones were still kind of plump. Not real hopeful. 😢

[@susanvancouver]

No, not Saran Wrap. That’s a petroleum product! Why not try wax paper?

[@marywhitfield7553]

What kind of staking do you use?

[@GuidingGreenThumbs]

Hi Mary, this year I used garden fencing stakes, 4’. I may be changing that up this year as I have a new space so stay tuned!