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Digging and Storing Non-Hardy Bulbs

Source: NDSU Extension Horticulturists

In order to preserve your favorite dahlias (Dahl-yas), glads, cannas (Kan-ahs) and tuberous begonias for next summer, you'll need to dig and store them for winter. Each of these plants has a specialized underground storage structure that you dig and save for next year.

After a hard frost, cut the tops of dahlia plants back to about 3 inches above the soil. Then, dig the roots out of the ground, being careful not to break the neck. Place the root clumps upside down and allow them to dry for several hours before storing.

Cut gladiolus tops back close to the base, leaving no more than an inch or so of the stem. Remove the excess soil from the corms. Spread the corms out in a well-ventilated place, such as a garage, for about three weeks. Once dried thoroughly, remove the old corms, stems and husks and discard them. The healthy new corms are then ready for storing.

Cut back canna stems to about 6 inches after a hard frost. dig the rhizomes (Ry-zohmz) out of the ground and dry for a few hours in the sun. Then bring them in for storage.

Dig tuberous begonias, tops and all, after frost blackens the tops. Put them in a frost-free place for a week or 2 for drying. Once dry, cut the tops back to about 3 inches from the tuber. Let tubers dry for about 2 more weeks. Then break off the stem stubs and shake the excess soil from the tubers.

Dig all of these tender plants carefully with a garden fork. Damaged roots, corms, rhizomes, and tubers will not store well. After drying, store all of these in a cool, dark, humid place, such as your basement. Temperatures in the 40's are ideal.

The best place to store dahlias, cannas and begonias is in shallow boxes. Dusting all of these with a fungicide like Captan will help prevent rotting over the winter. None-the-less, check them occasionally and discard any rotting pieces.

If you have further questions, please contact your local county extension office for further information.

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