Dahlias are beautiful flowering plants that add a burst of color to any garden. Many people wonder if dahlias come back every year, and the answer is yes, they can! However, dahlias are not frost hardy, so when temperatures drop, the leaves and remaining blooms will collapse in a heap. This may make it seem like the plant has died, but fear not – the tubers that grow beneath the ground are actually unharmed and can live to perform again year after year with a little care from you.
To ensure your dahlias come back every year, it’s important to take a few steps to protect them during the winter months. Here are some tips and tricks to help your dahlias survive and thrive:
1. Dig up the tubers: Before the first frost hits, carefully dig up the dahlia tubers from the ground. Use a garden fork or shovel to gently lift the tubers out of the soil, being careful not to damage them. Shake off any excess soil and trim back the foliage to about 6 inches.
2. Dry and clean the tubers: Once the tubers are out of the ground, allow them to dry for a few days in a cool, dry location. This will help prevent rot during storage. After they have dried, gently brush off any remaining soil or debris.
3. Store in a cool, dry place: After the tubers are dry and clean, it’s time to store them for the winter. Choose a cool, dry location such as a basement, garage, or shed. Place the tubers in a container filled with peat moss, vermiculite, or dry sand to keep them from drying out. Make sure the tubers are not touching each other to prevent the spread of any potential diseases.
4. Check periodically: Throughout the winter, it’s a good idea to check on your stored tubers every few weeks. Inspect them for any signs of rot or mold and remove any affected tubers immediately to prevent further spread. If any tubers feel shriveled or are showing signs of dehydration, you can lightly mist them with water to help rehydrate.
5. Prepare for spring: As the winter months come to an end and spring approaches, it’s time to prepare your dahlias for planting again. About six to eight weeks before the last frost date in your area, you can start the process of waking up your tubers. Remove them from storage and place them in a shallow tray or container with some slightly damp soil or vermiculite. Keep them in a warm, well-lit area, and you should start to see new growth emerging from the tubers.
6. Harden off and transplant: Once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up, you can transplant your dahlias back into the garden. Before planting them directly in the ground, it’s important to harden off the young plants by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Start by placing them outside for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the time over the course of a week or two. This will help them acclimate to the sun, wind, and temperature changes.
7. Provide proper care: Once your dahlias are planted in the garden, it’s important to provide them with proper care throughout the growing season. This includes regular watering, fertilizing every few weeks, and providing support for the tall stems if needed. Deadheading spent blooms will also encourage more flowers to bloom. Additionally, dahlias may benefit from mulching around the base of the plants to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
By following these steps and providing the necessary care, your dahlias should come back every year and bring joy to your garden. Remember, each variety of dahlia may have slightly different care requirements, so it’s always a good idea to research and follow specific guidelines for the particular types you have. Happy gardening!
