If you’re growing dahlias, you know the heartbreak of the first frost — those vibrant blooms fade overnight, and the season is done. But the good news is: the beauty doesn’t have to end there. With a little care, you can save your dahlia tubers over winter and replant them next spring for an even better show.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to dig up, clean, and store dahlia tubers, and I’ll also share a free printable flower tag template you can use to keep track of your varieties.
Step 1: Wait for Frost
The first step is timing. Dahlias are ready to dig once the frost has blackened their foliage. This signals the plant to go dormant, and the tubers will be mature enough to store.
Step 2: Cut Back and Dig Carefully
-
Cut the stems back to about 6 inches above the soil.
-
Use a garden fork or spade to gently loosen the soil around the clump.
-
Lift the entire clump carefully — dahlia tubers can snap easily, and damaged tubers don’t store well.
Step 3: Clean and Cure
-
Shake off excess soil and gently rinse the tubers.
-
Let them air dry in a cool, shaded spot for a day or two.
-
Be sure each clump has a piece of the crown attached (this is where next year’s sprouts will emerge).
Step 4: Label Your Tubers
This is where many gardeners run into trouble. Once clumps are out of the ground, it’s easy to forget which variety is which!
To help you keep track, I’ve created a free printable dahlia tag template. You can write the variety name, bloom color, and any notes — then attach it to the clump before storage.
👉 [Download the Dahlia Tuber Tag Template here] .
Step 5: Store for Winter
Dahlia tubers need to be kept cool, but not frozen, through winter. The ideal range is 40–50°F in a dark, dry space. Some options:
-
Cardboard boxes filled with peat moss, wood shavings, or vermiculite.
-
Paper bags for smaller collections.
Check tubers once a month — remove any that look soft or moldy.
Step 6: Replant in Spring
Once the soil warms in spring, bring out your tubers, divide clumps if needed, and plant them back into the garden. With good care, they’ll reward you with bigger and better blooms each season.
Grab Your Free Dahlia Tuber Tag
Keep your garden organized and stress-free by labeling your dahlias right away. Download your free template below, print as many as you need, and never lose track of your favorite varieties again.
Final Tip: Saving dahlias is part science, part art. Don’t worry if you lose a few tubers your first year — with practice, you’ll get the hang of it, and soon your dahlias will multiply enough to share with friends!
