Hi. This is my first year growing dahlias. I planted one tuber and now have many. I started digging them up and then changed my mind because my suite is very warm, heated cement floor, and my shed is very cold and they may freeze in there. My growing zone says it is 9a. (It was 7b when I moved here 8 years ago). I live near the ocean and the ground is quite sandy (sandy silty is my guess). I am wondering if anyone overwinters there dahlia tubers in the ground here in the CV. I was thinking of putting some in a tupperware container in the fridge and leaving some in the ground with a mound of straw and leaves on top. Thoughts?
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I have 2 thriving in ground for years, uncovered. Should be okay if not soggy (well drained soil). Don’t do well in pots.
Alternatively, you could try putting in your unheated shed inside an insulated cooler.
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Thank you Kathleen. I have a few so I might do all 3 (in the ground, cooler in shed, and fridge) just as an experiment). How deep are the ones in the ground?
Here is some more information from our very knowledgeable CVHS members:
I’m intrigued by the idea of a Tupperware in the fridge. If you try it, please let us all know how it works come spring!
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The storage temperature is very important! I store mine in vermiculite in plastic shoeboxes with holes punched in the lids in my cold room which is around 40 degrees f and haven’t lost any over the years. I have read about people storing theirs in styrofoam coolers in unheated garages so that could work for you in your shed. Google for info
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