[fekq]

our dahlias are in a quite sheltered bed in the garden, so although we've had frost, it doesn't seem to have touched these plants.

however, I do want to get them lifted so that I can clear and mulch the beds this weekend.

is this ok? will they still store alright overwinter?

thanks!

[mumofstig]

you can do it now 

[Yorkie]

The only reason for leaving it until frosts is that the tubers continue growing until then - as Monty said on GW tonight.

But it won't do any harm now as Mum says 

[Trillium]

I have a friend who grows masses of dahlias, but he simply cuts off the tops when he's ready (rather than when frost hits them) to take them in, and just lets the roots dry out in a shed. He's had the same tubers for years and they've always performed well, so obviously they don't mind an early chop.

[brown thumb]

I am glad someone asked this question as i was wondering the same thing will give them the chop tomorrow and dry them out can i safely wash them to enable me to store them in the utility room soil free

[Trillium]

The only reason for leaving it until frosts is that the tubers continue growing until then - as Monty said on GW tonight.

I do question this theory. Frosts will definitely knock them back but without some scientific proof I don't honestly believe dahlias will keep growing larger roots in cold soil as they're not really cool weather plants. The flowers will stay up, but subsequent buds will be slow to open (this is what I've observed with my dahlias). When the weather has reached a certain low point, you're neither ahead nor behind with cutting them down when it's more convenient for the gardener. I for one detest standing out in freezing weather digging up sloppy, blackened halums and muddy roots then trying to find somewhere for the whole dirty mess to dry out. Particularly when you've got a lot, as I have.

That's my opinion and I'm sticking with it 

[Babstreefern]

I did mine late last month, as I wanted to tidy up the garden and put in some wintering plants and new bushes.  I put the tubers in the shed to dry out