storing clumps for the winter - how to?
linda021025(6B)October 27, 2008
I am fairly new to dahlias and can't see the eyes at all, now that I've pulled them out of the ground.
I would really really like to store the whole clump of tubers for the winter, rather than cut them down now.
the saran wrap method says to make sure that each tuber is not touching the others, which obviously would not work in this case.
IS it do-able at all with clumps? wrap and store in grocery bags, then into a box? Or should I go the way of vermiculite/wood shavings and stack them loosly, in the box?
Suggestions, please!
My first couple of years growing dahlias I used the clump in a
loosely closed plastic grocery bag which I then placed in a cardboard box layered with newspaper. Works fine. You can divide in the spring after the clump starts sprouting.
Look up Jroots' post on dividing. It's excellent.
Thanks, misslucinda. It works, doesn't it.
Bernie's response to my method:
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/dahlia/msg0413104210656.html
linda0210, I am also in zone 5, but in Canada. My sister lives in Lennoxdale, Mass. Is that near you?
Here is a link for what I did this year, and many years before. I actually got to teach a Dutch gardener my secret for keeping dahlias. He had been using peatmoss, and was experiencing a good percentage of loss. Needless to say, he is trying my method this year. :)
Here is a link that might be useful: My method of storing
Hey thanks guys! No time to divide and I really can't see what is where now. spring is much easier and doing it this way is great. 1 clump/tuber per bag?
What exactly is bulb dust? a fungcide? I stopped in my local garden center and asked - they didn't really know and then told me to just pack them in peat moss!
jroot - that's west side of the state, I think. I'm about 1/2 hour from the ocean on the other side. :-D According to the chart, I should be zone 6.... but considering what I keep freezing here.....it's just easier to say zone 5.
Linda
linda02120,
Your questions:
1 clump/tuber per bag? It all depends on the size of the clump. I often put several into one bag.
What exactly is bulb dust? I am surprised that they didn't know what bulb dust is. Try a hardware store. It is a type of fungicide, and it does indeed stop the rot. To me, it is invaluable.
Their comment: Pack them in peat moss! Well, I will tell you that I have had the LEAST success with peat moss. I find it dries the tubers out. I will never use it again. However, you may have better luck. For me, the method I use works best. Even Bernie (Saran wrap guy) liked it.