Labeling Dahlias Before Frost Hits
One of the most critical tasks is labeling your dahlia varieties before the first frost. Once frost hits, the foliage can become mushy and discolored, making it difficult to identify different varieties. This is why I strongly emphasize the importance of labeling your dahlias early in the season when they’re still easy to distinguish.
I recommend using oil-based paint markers for labeling. These markers are durable, long-lasting, and able to withstand the elements. Whether you're writing on plastic tags or wooden stakes, oil-based markers ensure that the labels won’t fade, smudge, or wash away in the fall rains. Clear and accurate labeling now will save you from a major headache next spring when you're trying to remember what you planted where!
Best Practices for Storing Dahlias
Once your dahlias are labeled, it’s time to dig them up and prepare them for storage. Storing dahlias properly is essential to keeping them viable for the next season. Over the years, I’ve found that the ideal temperature for storing dahlia tubers is between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This range keeps the tubers from freezing while preventing them from sprouting prematurely.
There’s some flexibility when it comes to dividing your tubers. If you don’t want to take on the extra work now, you can store dahlias whole and divide them in the spring. I often store my tubers without dividing them, which helps save time when fall tasks are piling up. However, if you have limited storage space or need to increase airflow around the tubers, dividing them in the fall can also be beneficial.
Keeping Tubers Organized and Evaluating for the Future
One tip that has helped me tremendously is keeping a list or spreadsheet of my dahlia varieties—both those I plan to keep and those I may want to sell or trade. Staying organized ensures you can easily manage your collection and cater to market demand. Always consider the varieties that performed well during the growing season and which ones may be worth letting go.
When storing, I keep a bit of dirt on the tubers to help maintain moisture balance. This technique, along with ensuring good air circulation, keeps the tubers from drying out too much during storage.
Planning for Next Season
Finally, fall is the perfect time to evaluate your dahlia varieties. Ask yourself which ones were customer favorites and which might not be worth the effort next season. I always take a step back and review my notes from the season to plan ahead. Maybe you’ll want to experiment with new varieties or scale up production of your best sellers—either way, this is the time to reflect.
By properly labeling and storing your dahlias, you’re not only protecting your current investment but also setting yourself up for a successful season next year. Whether you're growing for personal enjoyment or market sales, thoughtful preparation in the fall will pay off in the spring!
