How to Dig Up and Store Dahlia and Canna Tubers for Winter
Dahlias and cannas are beautiful flowers that add color and beauty to any garden. However, these plants are not hardy in cold climates and must be dug up and stored over winter to prevent them from freezing and dying.
How to Dig Up Tubers
The first step is to dig up the tubers. This should be done after the first hard freeze in your area. Use a fork to gently lift the tubers from the soil. Be careful not to damage the tubers, as this can open them up to disease.
How to Dry and Inspect Tubers
Once the tubers have been dug up, they need to be dried off. This can be done by placing them in a cool, dry place for a few days. Once the tubers are dry, inspect them for any damage. If you find any tubers that have been nibbled on or look diseased, discard them or cut the tuber apart to remove the bad area.
How to Store Tubers in Peat Moss
The best way to store dahlia and canna tubers is in peat moss. Peat moss helps to keep the tubers moist and prevents them from drying out. To store tubers in peat moss, simply lay down a layer of peat moss in a plastic container (that has a lid), nestle the tubers down inside the peat moss, cover with more peat moss, and then close the lid. The tubers should be stored in an unheated, dark closet in the basement.
How to Check on Tubers
It is important to check on the tubers every few weeks to make sure they are not drying out. If the tubers are starting to dry out, you can add a little bit of water to the peat moss.
How to Plant Tubers in Spring
Once the danger of frost has passed in the spring, the tubers can be planted back in the garden. To plant the tubers, simply dig a hole that is twice the width of the tuber and just as deep. Place the tuber in the hole and cover it with soil. Water the tuber well and keep it moist until it starts to grow.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Why are my tubers shriveling?
Tubers can shrivel if they are not stored properly. Make sure that the tubers are stored in a cool, dark place and that they are not drying out.
Why are my tubers rotting?
Tubers can rot if they are damaged or if they are stored in a damp environment. Make sure that the tubers are not damaged when you dig them up and that they are stored in a dry place.
Why are my tubers not sprouting?
Tubers may not sprout if they are not planted at the right time or if they are not getting enough water. Make sure that you plant the tubers after the danger of frost has passed and that you keep them moist until they start to grow.
Tips for Success
- Dig up the tubers after the first hard freeze in your area.
- Dry the tubers off in a cool, dry place for a few days.
- Inspect the tubers for any damage and discard any that are damaged or diseased.
- Store the tubers in peat moss in a plastic container with a lid.
- Store the tubers in an unheated, dark closet in the basement.
- Check on the tubers every few weeks to make sure they are not drying out.
- Plant the tubers back in the garden after the danger of frost has passed in the spring.
