Where is it better to store dahlias in winter: secrets of experienced gardeners for 100% preservation of tubers

17.10.2024 06:20

Proper storage of dahlia tubers during the winter period determines the success of flowering in the following season.

Proper preparation and creation of optimal conditions allow you to keep the planting material healthy and viable until spring planting.

Important information was shared by the expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", scientist-agronomist and landscape designer Anastasia Kovrizhnykh.

Preparation for storage

The tubers dug up after the first frosts require careful cleaning from the soil. The root system is carefully washed with water, and damaged parts are removed.

The tubers are dried at room temperature for several days.

dahlias
Photo: © Belnovosti

Selecting a room

The optimal storage location is considered to be a dark, dry room with good ventilation.

A basement or cellar is ideal if it maintains a constant temperature of 4 to 8 degrees. It is important to avoid rooms with high humidity.

Temperature conditions

Maintaining the temperature regime plays a key role in preserving the tubers. Too high a temperature provokes premature germination, and too low a temperature can lead to freezing.

Regular temperature monitoring helps prevent losses.

Packaging methods

There are several effective ways to pack tubers. A popular method is storage in peat or sawdust. The material should be slightly damp.

The tubers are laid in layers, interspersed with filler.

Storage in bags

The modern storage method involves the use of perforated polyethylene bags.

A little peat or vermiculite is placed in the bags. It is important to provide air access by making small holes in the packaging.

Checking the status

Regular inspection of tubers allows problems to be identified in time.

Once a month, it is necessary to check the safety of the material, remove rotten parts and treat the cuts with charcoal or crushed sulfur.

Air humidity

Maintaining optimal air humidity prevents tubers from drying out or rotting. The ideal level is 60–70%.

If necessary, humidifiers or containers with water are used.

Pest protection

Prevention of rodents and insects requires special attention. The premises are regularly ventilated, rodent traps are installed.

Using natural repellents helps keep pests away.

Labeling of varieties

Organizing a labeling system helps avoid confusion in the spring.

Each tuber or group of tubers is labeled with the variety, color, and height of the plant. The information is written with a waterproof marker.

Spring training

A month before the expected planting, the tubers are taken out of storage for inspection. Viability is determined by the elasticity of the tubers and the presence of healthy buds.

Damaged parts are removed and cuts are treated with protective compounds.

Author: Sergey Tumanov Internet resource editor
 
Expert: Anastasia Kovrizhnykh Expert / Belnovosti

Content
  1. Preparation for storage
  2. Selecting a room
  3. Temperature conditions
  4. Packaging methods
  5. Storage in bags
  6. Checking the status
  7. Air humidity
  8. Pest protection
  9. Labeling of varieties
  10. Spring training