Dahlia tuber storage is important to avoid the risk of rotting or shrinking and shrivelling.
A viable Dahlia tuber will have a crown with an eye, a neck and a body. Shoots will grow from the eye. Eyes wake up as the weather warms up during springtime, timing can differ depending on your area and on the cultivar. Tubers come in variable sizes, and tuber size doesn't matter on the production of flowers. Tubers need monitoring to prevent rotting and dryness.
When storing Dahlia tubers protect from rain, wetness, cold, and pests. Store and cover in potting mix, mulch or wood chips.
Tubers are prone to rot if the mix is too wet. Rotten tubers almost certainly will not grow. If only the end tip is rotten, there may be a possibility to save the tuber by cutting the rotten part off.
Shrinking of tubers can occur when tubers are exposed to cold air, or if the mix is overly dry. We store our tubers in mostly mulch and some shaved wood chips and find this works very well.
Also monitor for mould and ensure the environment is not a damp environment. If the shoot falls off, don't worry, another shoot will grow.
You may need to adapt conditions to ensure success in your own storage environment.
Remember to avoid wetness but also avoid overly dry mixes. If your mix is overly dry add a little water but it should not feel wet as that could lead to rot.
