Overwintering Dahlia Tubers in a Cellar (Zone 5): Step-by-Step Storage

Save Your Unplanted Dahlias Until Spring

Zone 5 (SW New Hampshire) winters kill dahlias in ground. Your cool, frost-free cellar is perfect for storage.

Storage Protocol

1. Remove from packaging. If sprouts are long/spindly, cut off; place tubers upside down 2–3 days to dry cut surfaces.
2. Pack in dry peat moss or sand in trays/boxes (right side up).
3. Check monthly: If shriveled, soak in tepid water 2 hrs, re-pack. If rot, cut out, dust with fungicide, re-pack.

Planting Next Year

• First year: Late May–early June (soil warm).
• Subsequent years: Late April–early May.
• Sunny spot; stake tall varieties at planting.

Fall Lifting (Future Years)

After frost blackens foliage: cut stems 2–3″ above tuber, dry upside down few days, brush soil, inspect, pack as above.

Your dahlias will reward you with spectacular blooms.