Don't let your beautiful dahlias freeze!

Lift, dry, and store them for next year instead.

The best time to pull dahlia bulbs in fall is after the first light frost has blackened the foliage but before a hard freeze. This timing allows the tubers to finish maturing in the soil while avoiding damage from freezing temperatures. 

Storing dahlia bulbs (tubers) properly over winter keeps them healthy and ready to grow again in spring. 

1. Dig Carefully: After the first frost blackens the foliage, cut stems to 4–6 inches and gently lift the clumps with a garden fork. Avoid nicking the tubers.
2. Clean & Dry: Brush off loose soil and rinse lightly if needed. Let the tubers dry for 1–3 days in a cool, airy spot out of direct sunlight. 
3. Label Them: Mark each clump with its variety or color before storing so you remember which is which next Spring when you plant them anew.
4. Pack for Storage: Place tubers in a box or bin lined with newspaper, sawdust, or vermiculite. Space them so they don’t touch.
5. Store Cool & Dark: Keep them in a 40–50°F location — such as a basement, garage, or root cellar where they won’t freeze or dry (too warm) to the point of shriveling.
6. Check Periodically: Every few weeks, inspect tubers for rot or shriveling. Mist lightly if they start to dry out too much.  
7. In Spring, replant the firm, healthy tubers after the last frost and you’ll enjoy another beautiful season of dahlias for free!

Additional Resources
How to store your dahlia tubers indoors this Fall
Don't lose your dahlias to frost - do this one easy task while weather is still warm

Once the leaves and stems of dahlias turn dark and wilted (after first frost), cut the plant back to about 4–6 inches, carefully dig up the clump, and let the tubers dry for a day or two before storing them in a cool, frost-free place for winter.