There are no hardy dahlias for the garden. Only in Mexico, the home of georgines, is there a type of hardy dahlia known, a natural dahlia that can also cope well with sub-zero temperatures. The cultivars in local gardens do not survive a cold winter outdoors.

Dahlias are not hardy and will not survive frost

Plant out dahlias in spring

The young shoots of the dahlia do not tolerate frost at all. That's why you can only plant early dahlias outside after the ice saints.

You can put the tubers in the ground as early as the end of April, provided the earth has warmed up to at least ten degrees.

Overwinter non-hardy dahlias

Since dahlias are not hardy, you need to protect the tubers from sub-zero temperatures. There are various possiblities for that:

  • Overwinter tubers in the basement
  • Leave tubers in the pot
  • Store tubers without a basement
  • Protect tubers from frost outside

You have the fewest losses if you take the tubers out of the bed or the pot in autumn, let them dry and then store them in a wooden box in the basement. Alternatively, a plastic bag with some soil and many small holes will do. From time to time the dahlia bulbs need to be slightly moistened.

Particularly beautiful dahlia varieties, which you are very attached to, should always be wintered in the basement. All other methods are not as reliable. Many dahlia bulbs do not survive these forms of overwintering.

Overwintering non-hardy dahlias without a basement?

If you don't have a basement, you can try overwintering the dahlia bulbs in the utility room or a frost-free garage.

It is important that the room is not too humid, not too warm and not too bright.

Overwinter dahlias in pots

If you want to overwinter your dahlias in pots, cut off all stems after the first frost at the latest so that only a few centimeters remain above the ground.

Place the pots in a cool but frost-free place where it is as dark as possible. As soon as the temperatures rise above ten degrees, the tubers begin to sprout.

Overwinter dahlias outdoors

Some gardeners report overwintering non-hardy dahlias outside. The risk that the tubers will not survive is great.

If you want to give it a try, winterize the dahlias as follows:

  • Cut down stems
  • Apply a thick layer of foliage and soil
  • Also cover the planting site with bubble wrap
  • Remove the winter cover in spring

Overwintering outdoors is best when your dahlias grow close to the house or in a very temperate climate. Most georgines survive in mild winters - if they don't rot from too much moisture or are eaten by voles.

tips and tricks

Before you get the georgines out of the ground, cut the stems down to four inches. The root collar on the tubers should never be completely removed. The new shoots that will produce flowers next year will develop on it.

Category:

Vegetable garden