As fall colors fade and the first frost settles on your dahlias, it’s time to dig up dahlias and protect those tubers for another season of spectacular blooms. Whether you’re storing dahlia tubers over winter, transplanting to a sunnier spot, or dividing to multiply your collection, timing and technique are everything. Follow this Master Gardener guide to ensure your dahlias return stronger than ever in 2025.

When to Dig Up Dahlias – First Frost to Before a Hard Freeze

Late October through early November is the ideal time to lift in most regions (USDA Zones 7–10). Wait until the first light frost blackens the foliage—then dig before a deep freeze. This window is also when searchers are asking when to dig up dahlia tubers, when to dig up dahlias for winter, and when to take dahlias out of the ground—you’re in the right place.

Why late October is perfect

• Frost signals dormancy, reducing stress on tubers
• Early lifting prevents freeze damage expected in November
• Stored tubers can be pre-sprouted indoors for a head start next season

Master Gardener Tip – Once you see blackened foliage, don’t wait more than a few days. That sweet spot between dormancy and hard freeze is short.

Tools You’ll Need to Dig Up Dahlias

• Garden fork – Safest tool for lifting brittle tubers
• Pruners – For stems and fine roots
• Clean bucket or crate – For transport and drying
• Sharp, sterilized knife – For dividing tubers
• Labels and marker – Track varieties for replanting
• Sulfur powder – Reduces storage rot

Master Gardener Tip – Disinfect blades with alcohol between plants to prevent disease spread.

How to Dig Up and Store Dahlia Tubers – Step by Step

1. Cut back stems after frost

Trim to 4–6 inches above the soil. Short stubs give you a handhold and protect the crown.

Master Gardener Tip – Cutting too low risks slicing off next year’s “eyes.”

2. Loosen the soil wide

Start 12–18 inches from the stem and fork around the plant. This avoids snapping tubers when digging dahlias.

Pro tip – If soil is dry, water lightly 24 hours beforehand. Avoid sogginess.

3. Lift the clump slowly

Rock side-to-side to free the root mass intact.

4. Remove excess soil

Shake or brush off soil. Avoid rinsing unless heavy clay demands it.

Master Gardener Tip – If you must rinse, air-dry completely before storage to prevent rot.

5. Inspect and clean

Keep only firm tubers with a visible “eye” near the stem base. Discard soft or damaged pieces.

6. Divide for propagation (optional)

Each division needs at least one eye and a piece of stem base. Avoid tiny, weak sections.

7. Trim fine roots for storage

Reducing root hairs lowers moisture retention and rot risk.

Master Gardener Tip – Replanting now? Leave one or two thicker roots to help re-establish.

8. Cure before storage

Air-dry clumps 24 hours in a shaded, ventilated space. Poor drainage is the enemy—amend replanting holes with sand or grit.

9. Storing Dahlia Tubers Over Winter – Media, Temperature, and Methods

Dust lightly with sulfur. Pack tubers in one of these media and store cool, dark, and ventilated:

• Peat moss for storing dahlia bulbs – A top classic that balances moisture
• Vermiculite for storing dahlia tubers – Clean, reusable, excellent aeration
• Sawdust or pine shavings – Inexpensive and breathable
• Perlite – Works but can be dusty; check moisture frequently
• Paper bags/newspaper – OK for short-term, but monitor humidity closely

Target storage temperature – 40–50°F. This answers common queries like dahlia storage temperature and temperature to store dahlia tubers.

Master Gardener Tip – Never seal containers airtight. Tubers must “breathe.” Check monthly—if shriveling, lightly mist the medium; if mold appears, increase ventilation and remove affected tubers.

10. Water and mulch if replanting now

Water to settle soil and add a light mulch layer for frost protection without trapping moisture.

Storage Media Comparison – What’s the Best Way to Store Dahlia Tubers Over Winter

• Best overall – Peat moss or vermiculite: reliable humidity control and airflow
• Budget option – Sawdust or pine shavings: works well with vigilant monthly checks
• Short-term option – Paper bags/newspaper: fine for garages or basements that sit 40–50°F
• Special case – Perlite: lightweight, but monitor closely to avoid overdrying

Master Gardener Tip – Whatever you choose, the cool, stable temperature matters more than the medium.

What to Expect After Digging Up or Transplanting Dahlias

• First year after transplanting – New divisions may skip flowering while rebuilding roots
• Second year – Stronger stems and moderate blooms return
• Third year and beyond – Full bloom potential with regular division every 1–2 years

Success factors

• Eye integrity
• Quality of storage conditions
• Size and vigor of divisions

Master Gardener Tip – Quick monthly check-ins save entire collections—five minutes now beats heartbreak in spring.

Special Situations – Before Frost, In Pots, In-Ground

• Can you dig up dahlias before frost – Yes, if a hard freeze is imminent or you need to move them, but cure tubers well before storage.
• Overwintering dahlias in pots – Move containers to 40–50°F and keep just barely moist. Searchers ask wintering dahlias in pots and winterizing dahlias in pots—both work if temps are steady.
• Overwintering dahlias in the ground – Zones 8–10 can leave tubers in place with a thick mulch. Colder zones should lift. Queries like overwintering dahlias in the ground reflect this nuance.

FAQs About Digging Up, Storing, and Overwintering Dahlias

When to dig up dahlia tubers for winter?
After the first light frost blackens foliage but before a hard freeze. This aligns with searches for when to dig up dahlia tubers and when to dig up dahlias for winter.

How to dig up dahlia tubers?
Fork 12–18 inches out, lift gently, brush off soil, cure 24 hours, then store. See steps above under how to dig up and store dahlia tubers.

Best way to store dahlia tubers over winter?
Dust with sulfur and store at 40–50°F in peat moss or vermiculite, with ventilation. This targets best way to store dahlia tubers over winter and dahlia bulb winter storage.

What to store dahlia tubers in – peat moss, vermiculite, or paper bags?
Peat moss or vermiculite offer the most consistent results. Paper bags work in ideal basements/garages but require more frequent checks. See storing dahlia tubers in paper bags and storing dahlia tubers in vermiculite.

Can I leave dahlias in the ground over winter?
Yes in Zones 8–10 with a thick mulch. In colder zones, lift and store. Satisfies dahlia bulbs over winter and dahlia over winter queries.

When to take dahlias out of winter storage?
About 6–8 weeks before last frost to pre-sprout indoors—a common ask under when do you take dahlias out of winter storage.

My stored dahlia tubers dried out or shriveled?
Lightly mist the storage medium; don’t soak. This addresses dahlia tubers dried out and dahlia bulbs dried out.

Can I dig up dahlias early?
Yes, if severe weather is incoming. Cure thoroughly and store cool. See can I dig up dahlias early.

Is there a difference between storing dahlia bulbs and tubers?
Gardeners often say “bulbs,” but dahlias are tubers. Methods are the same for dahlia bulb storage and storing dahlia tubers.

Final Thoughts – Keep Your Dahlias Blooming Bright

Digging up dahlias now sets you up for success next year. With the right timing, media, and dahlia storage temperature, your tubers will wake up strong for spring planting. A little care this fall translates into a garden full of color next summer.

Master Gardener Tip – Pre-sprout in March by placing divisions in a tray with slightly moist peat/vermiculite at 60–65°F. Plant out after danger of frost for earlier blooms and sturdier plants.