How do I keep Dahlia and Colia bulbs alive to plant next year?

Liz In Ohio
by Liz In Ohio

I live in central Ohio, and need to dig the bulbs out of the ground before we get a hard frost. What is the best way I can keep the bulbs alive in order to replant next spring.

  4 answers
  • Lynn Sorrell Lynn Sorrell on Feb 15, 2019

    DAHLIAS----Ground freeze will kill them however.So if you have not had a major ground freeze they may still be salvageable. If you can still dig in the ground you can dig them up.Carefully dig out the tubers. Brush off excess dirt and let the tubers dry for a few days. If possible, hang them upside down when drying them so that moisture can leach out of them. Then cut off the excess foliage. Drying is important to saving Dahlias over winter and preventing them from rotting.When dry layer newspaper then tubers then newspaper then tubers & so on in layers in cardboard box is best. keep box in really cool dry area just don't let them freeze. Gardening rule "Never plant til after Mother's Day" last ground freeze.COLEUS---need dug up and transplanted into pots and brought in or take cuttings before it gets below 40 degrees at night, so these are probably not salvageable. You'll need to replace them. I used to live in Ohio my sister still does she said last night theres been so much rain her basement had water first time in over 25 yrs..Hope the Dahlias tubers have not rotted

  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on Feb 17, 2019

    Just keep them in the shade in a container that will get air

  • Dwp7470b Dwp7470b on Feb 21, 2019

    Move them indoors inside flower pots or mason jars

  • Liz In Ohio Liz In Ohio on Feb 21, 2019

    Thank you all for your helpful tips saving dahlia bulbs and coleus for replanting. I really appreciate it.