I do let them dry up to 48 hrs before wrapping them so the cuts are really healed over and that seems to do the trick. Can't wait to see all your dahlias next year!
I'm also in 4b and use nearly the same method. The only thing I do differently is dip the divided tubers in a solution of a gallon of water with 1 tsp bleach added versus the sulfur powder. I put the plastic-wrapped tuber bundles in paper bags in my mini fridge. I don't check the tubers themselves over the winter, but I do open the door to check that the temperature is staying between 42 and 44 degrees. Works like charm!
Good to hear! I will give your method a try too! It is very interesting to me to see what will work the best and be easiest to keep the tubers healthy over winter. Last winter I did rewrap once because of condensation but only lost a few tubers to rot/mold.
My first year doing this, I struggled finding the eyes! I'm also in WI, do you think I can unwrap them and cut them apart still? I think I after watching this video I want to separate some to prevent all of it from rotting if it does and I also can get a few more flowers! :) Thoughts?
Hi neighbor! I honestly don't worry about finding the eyes. I usually cut the stock down low and the mother tuber off. From there, I try to divide fairly between each tuber to get as much of the stock part in each tuber as possible. I've only had a few not have eyes in the spring doing it this way - much less stress than worrying about finding eyes. Yes, you definitely can switch storage methods at any time during the winter! I check once a month on mine to make sure they are doing OK. Last year, I rewrapped mine after a month or so because of condensation. Good luck!!
this is a great resource, thank you so much!!
Thank you for the feedback 🥰
I do let them dry up to 48 hrs before wrapping them so the cuts are really healed over and that seems to do the trick. Can't wait to see all your dahlias next year!
Thank you for the info, and I'll be sure to share 🙂
I'm also in 4b and use nearly the same method. The only thing I do differently is dip the divided tubers in a solution of a gallon of water with 1 tsp bleach added versus the sulfur powder. I put the plastic-wrapped tuber bundles in paper bags in my mini fridge. I don't check the tubers themselves over the winter, but I do open the door to check that the temperature is staying between 42 and 44 degrees. Works like charm!
Good to hear! I will give your method a try too! It is very interesting to me to see what will work the best and be easiest to keep the tubers healthy over winter. Last winter I did rewrap once because of condensation but only lost a few tubers to rot/mold.
My first year doing this, I struggled finding the eyes! I'm also in WI, do you think I can unwrap them and cut them apart still? I think I after watching this video I want to separate some to prevent all of it from rotting if it does and I also can get a few more flowers! :) Thoughts?
Hi neighbor! I honestly don't worry about finding the eyes. I usually cut the stock down low and the mother tuber off. From there, I try to divide fairly between each tuber to get as much of the stock part in each tuber as possible. I've only had a few not have eyes in the spring doing it this way - much less stress than worrying about finding eyes. Yes, you definitely can switch storage methods at any time during the winter! I check once a month on mine to make sure they are doing OK. Last year, I rewrapped mine after a month or so because of condensation. Good luck!!