How to store dahlias in winter

Probably, in many summer cottages you can find these beautiful flowers - dahlias. This type of plant includes 42 varieties and more than 15,000 different varieties. The varieties have different colors. They can be both perennials and annuals. Perennial plants, unfortunately, are not too adapted to the climatic conditions of our country, and are unlikely to be able to withstand severe winters. If you decide to plant a perennial plant variety on your site, then you need to clearly know what actions you need to take in order to preserve the plant and not harm it. Proper storage is a guarantee that in the new season, the plant will delight you with its beautiful flowers. How to store dahlias in winter - this will be discussed in our article.

What is the peculiarity of the root system of dahlias and how to store dahlias in winter

The fact is that dahlias have a rather complex root system. It has thickened roots, which are called "storing tubers". And also thin roots, which carry out the supply of nutrients to the thickened roots.

During the growth of the plant, the roots begin to grow in size, because they begin to accumulate nutrients that allow them to maintain their vital activity in the winter.

The vital activity of such a thickened tuber can reach 3-4 years. It is important to understand that thin roots and tubers that have received less nutrients simply die in winter.

Roots for the winter period of time need to be dug up and stored in favorable conditions before spring comes. But it is very important to understand that the growth bud of the new shoots of the upcoming season is not located directly on the root, but in the lower part of the last year's shoot. It is for this reason that when you prune the bush in the fall, it is important to leave the stem of the stem small.

How to store dahlias in the winter at home and how to properly prepare them for storage

Depending on what kind of plant, dahlia can bloom in spring, summer, autumn. But lush foliage with the onset of the first frost can lose its elasticity and aesthetic appearance. The foliage turns black and takes on a wilted appearance. It is important during this period of time (no need to wait until severe cold weather sets in) to dig up the root system of dahlias for future storage.

In the regions of the central part of our country, it is best to choose the end of September - the beginning of October. It is necessary to harvest the roots in warm weather (above zero temperature). At the same time, it is necessary to trim the plant, you need to save about 15 cm of the shoot.

It is important to dig up the roots with special care so as not to harm the roots of the plant. In this regard, you first need to dig up the root collar. And only after that, dig out the pebbles, keeping the distance from the root collar at about 20-30 cm.

In the fall, before you start storing, it will be important to separate the roots of the dahlias. The next year, you can get flowering bushes from a part that can consist of at least 1 tuber and a shoot that has a growth bud.

After you divide the bush, be sure to inspect the plant for any damage or putrefaction.If there are any suspicious elements, then they must be removed. The upper part of the left stem is also subject to removal into the flesh up to the growth bud, as well as thin roots.

Before laying the roots for storage, it is important to process with a solution of potassium permanganate or fungicide (Maxim, Fundazol). For this procedure, the roots must be rinsed with clean water and placed in a 1% solution of potassium permanganate for about 10 minutes.

After you carry out this procedure, the roots must be thoroughly dried. It is best to choose a temperature for drying around 15 degrees. You need to dry it for 2-10 hours. When you dry the roots, gardeners recommend turning the cut shoots upside down. This is necessary so that all excess moisture from the stem can drain.

Dahlias: how to store tubers in winter and what conditions must be observed during storage

For a complete understanding of how dahlias should be stored in winter, it is important to carefully study the conditions under which the root system is able to maintain its vital activity.

In order to store dahlias in the winter, it is considered important to choose the right place where the temperature will be constantly cool from +3 to +7 degrees. In this case, the humidity level should be no more than 60-70%.

If you live in a private house, then a cellar or basement will work well. If you plan to store the plant in an apartment, then this can be done on an insulated balcony.

In order to be able to preserve dahlias in the winter period, they must be placed in a bag, box, or other container. Also, in addition, it is necessary to pour the tubers with a non-absorbent material, for example, sand is good.

Now, let's take a closer look at the various storage options for the plant.

Various storage options

If you were able to properly prepare the tubers, then storing the plant will not give you much trouble. Dry roots that have been treated with antiseptic drugs can be stored well at fairly low temperatures and humidity levels.

If temperature drops are observed, this can lead to early bud germination. And this can lead to the fact that the planting material may die or deteriorate its quality.

In addition, it is important to keep in mind that only ripe tubers are subject to storage. If you dig up the tubers before the frost sets in, their keeping quality will be low.

In a private house, it is not difficult to find a suitable place where you can store dahlias. Most often, many summer residents do this in a cellar or basement. There you can simply place the roots on a cardboard or wooden container, and when spring comes, pull the workpiece out of the basement and plant it in open soil.

If you do not have this opportunity, then a special mixture must be added to the storage container, which will help protect the plant from low humidity and frequent temperature fluctuations. Now let's look at the most popular storage options for dahlias.

Using sand

Many summer residents prefer sand for storing dahlias. It will not be able to absorb moisture and will not be able to deplete the tubers. In order to store the tubers, sand must be poured into the container. You can take a plastic or wooden box, a bucket, the volume of which will be 20 liters.

Dahlia tubers should be placed in the sand in 1 or more rows. The container should be covered with burlap and stored in a basement or cellar. If you are going to store in an apartment, then you can put it in a cool corridor or near the balcony doors.

During the entire storage period, it will be necessary to check the status of the root system from time to time. But it is not necessary to moisten the sand, as this can cause root rot.

A feature of this storage method is that the tubers begin to wake up early.To prevent this from happening, it is important to lower the air temperature to +3 degrees.

Using peat

Peat has also worked well for storing dahlias. It is necessary to lay a layer of peat on the bottom of the container, and then place the roots of the plant. Then add another layer of peat. Such a container must be kept only in cellars and basements in order to exclude the ingress of light and temperature fluctuations.

We use sawdust

A good option for storing plants is the usual sawdust. But they must necessarily be large. Coniferous sawdust is best suited. They are unable to absorb moisture.

It is necessary to pour sawdust into wooden or plastic containers, where access to air will be provided. It is best not to use sealed plastic bags to store the roots. Since there is no ventilation in them, which will lead to decay of the root system.

We apply paraffin

Unfortunately, not everyone has the opportunity to store dahlias in basements at their summer cottages. Many are forced to do this in apartment conditions. Therefore, a good option was found for them to store the plant using paraffin.

The advantage of paraffin is its tightness. It prevents the roots from absorbing moisture, due to which it does not evaporate. Various fungi cannot develop under paraffin, illness and viruses.

It is necessary to carry out the storage procedure in paraffin as follows. Candles or paraffin must be ground into shavings (you can take a coarse grater), then add a small amount of water to the storage container. Then add paraffin. Then the container must be placed in a water bath in order for the paraffin to melt. As a result, you should form a viscous liquid in a layer up to about 5 cm.

It is important to immerse the roots in paraffin for only a couple of seconds. When you take them out, you will be able to make out a thin film that will keep the plant in place for the winter.

The roots treated in this way can be stored in boxes, buckets, bags or wrapped in plastic. But thanks to this method, early germination of tubers can begin. Therefore, this method is well suited for early varieties of dahlias.

How to store dahlias in winter with vermiculite

Vermiculite is a natural material that is not hygroscopic and can be used as a substitute for paraffin wax. In order to store dahlias, the material must be large. Available at garden stores.

The substance must be placed in the container. Place the tubers on top of it, and add a layer of vermiculite on top again. Thus, you need to fill the entire container. Then cover it with a film or a sealed lid.

Conclusion

It doesn't matter which filler you use. The container with the plant must be stored in cool and dark rooms with a certain level of humidity. If this is not possible, the root system will begin to rot or, on the contrary, germinate ahead of time.

Storage in private houses will not be difficult, but in an apartment it can cause several difficulties. It is not recommended to store it on the balcony if it is not insulated. It is better then to place containers with a plant next to the balcony door.

Temperature changes can negatively affect the condition of the plant. The best way to avoid this is to apply paraffin wax. In extreme cases, it is allowed to store the plant in the refrigerator, but it will not be possible to place a large number of tubers there.