Watch Episode 5 on Instagram here

Showing how I store my dahlia clumps through winter and answers to FAQs.

When do you wash and divide?
Late winter or early spring, the closer to planting time the better, they store better for me as whole clumps, but there’s a lot of washing and dividing to get through.

I’ve already washed and divided mine. Will they be okay?
Probably. Plenty of gardeners do. I just prefer storing whole clumps.

What do I do if they’re shrivelling?
A little is normal. If they’re getting very wrinkled, cover them with sawdust or potting mix to help reduce moisture loss.

What if I find rot?
Cut it out straight away. Often it’s just the old mother tuber breaking down. Let the wounds dry before storing.

Why are some varieties shrivelling more than others?
Some are naturally poorer keepers and need extra TLC. It’s often why they are harder to come by, low tuber production and diva tendencies.

How often should I check them?
Every few weeks. Small problems are much easier to fix early.

Do you have issues with rodents?
I set and check traps but I’ve never seen bite marks in storage. Apart from that time I left a few clumps on the ground in the garden and the slugs had a feast.

Can you show me how to divide them?
Yes! This will be covered in future episodes when it’s time for the great divide.

Follow @theruralflorist for more Dahlia Diaries and other cut flower tips and tricks throughout the different growing seasons 🌸