How to Dig, Wash, and Divide Dahlia Tubers (Step-by-Step), by The Bear Necessities Acres on YouTube. 7 min 17 s.
- Video length
- 7 min 17 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Cut the dahlia stems down to about 6 inches above the soil. If frost has not hit yet, cut first and wait about two weeks before digging.
Insert your fork or spade about 12 inches out from the stem base. Lift the clump gently so you do not stab through the tubers.
Lift the clump out and shake off the loose soil. Rinse off the rest in a bucket of water if you want them clean.
Lay the washed clumps in a single layer somewhere dry and frost-free, out of direct sun. Let them dry for just one day.
Never dry tubers on concrete. It pulls moisture out and the tubers shrivel in storage. Use a crate, tray or cardboard.
Once dry, pull the clump apart or cut it with clean shears. Keep only pieces that have a body, a neck and an eye.
Trim the thin feeder roots and any damaged or soft parts. Label each tuber with the variety name.
Store the divided tubers in a breathable box with slightly damp peat or newspaper, in a cool, dark, frost-free place.
Tips and common mistakes
A tuber without an eye will not sprout, so check every piece before you keep it.
Do not leave washed tubers out for days. One day of drying is enough, and longer drying causes shriveling.
Clean your shears between clumps to avoid spreading rot or disease.
Check stored tubers once a month and remove any that feel soft or mouldy.
Questions
Can I divide dahlias in spring instead of autumn?
Yes. You can store whole clumps over winter and split them in spring once the eyes start to swell, which makes the eyes easier to see.
What if my tubers are already shriveled?
They dried too long or sat on concrete. Trim the soft parts and store the firm pieces, but expect weaker growth next season.
Do I have to wash the tubers?
No. Shaking off the excess soil is enough. Washing is optional and means you must dry them for a day before storing.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
