Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Using Newspaper for Dahlia Storage
- Why the Storage Environment Matters
- When to Dig Your Dahlias
- How to Dig Tubers Safely
- Preparing Tubers for the Newspaper Wrap
- The Step-by-Step Newspaper Method
- Choosing the Right Storage Container
- Finding the Perfect Winter Spot
- Dividing Tubers: Fall vs. Spring
- Managing Humidity and Moisture
- Simple Troubleshooting
- The Role of Air Circulation
- Other Popular Storage Media
- Preparing for Spring Planting
- Storing Dahlias for Long-Term Success
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
The end of the gardening season brings a unique kind of satisfaction. After a summer filled with the spectacular colors and dinnerplate-sized blooms that only dahlias can provide, it is time to tuck those hardworking plants in for a winter nap. If you live in a region where the ground freezes, you likely know that these tender perennials need a little help to survive until next spring.
One of the most common questions we receive at Longfield Gardens is how to keep these tubers safe and plump during the cold months. Many gardeners wonder about the best materials to use for packing, specifically asking: can I store dahlia tubers in newspaper? The good news is that this classic method is not only effective but also one of the most accessible ways to ensure your garden is even more beautiful next year.
In this guide, we will explore why newspaper is a fantastic choice for dahlia storage and how to use it correctly. We will walk through the simple steps of digging, cleaning, and packing your tubers so you can feel confident and prepared. Storing your own tubers is a rewarding way to build your dahlia collections and enjoy your favorite varieties season after season.
Using Newspaper for Dahlia Storage
The short answer is yes, you can absolutely store dahlia tubers in newspaper. In fact, many experienced growers prefer this method because it strikes a perfect balance between protection and breathability. Newspaper is a natural material that helps regulate the environment around the tuber, which is the most important part of successful overwintering.
When we talk about storing dahlias, we are trying to manage two main factors: moisture and temperature. If a tuber gets too wet, it will rot. If it gets too dry, it will shrivel up and lose the energy it needs to grow in the spring. Newspaper acts as a gentle buffer. It can absorb a small amount of excess moisture from the air or the tuber itself, but it also provides a layer of insulation that prevents the tuber from drying out too quickly.
Using newspaper is also a very budget-friendly and sustainable choice. Most of us have some old newsprint lying around, and it is easy to recycle once the planting season arrives. It is a simple, low-tech solution that has been used by generations of gardeners with great success.
Key Takeaway Newspaper is an ideal storage medium because it allows for air circulation while preventing the tubers from touching one another, which helps stop the spread of rot.
Why the Storage Environment Matters
Before you start wrapping your tubers, it helps to understand what they need during their dormant period. Dormancy is like a deep sleep for the plant. During this time, the tuber is not growing, but it is still a living thing that needs specific conditions to stay healthy. For more detail, see How to Overwinter Dahlias.
The ideal storage temperature is between 40°F and 45°F. If the temperature drops below freezing, the water inside the tuber will expand and turn the tissue into mush. If the temperature stays too high—above 50°F—the tuber might think it is time to wake up and start growing too early, or it might simply dry out and die.
Humidity is the other piece of the puzzle. We are aiming for about 80% to 90% humidity. This sounds high, but in a cool basement or garage, it is often the natural state of the air. Newspaper helps maintain this level by preventing the dry winter air from directly reaching the tuber's skin.
When to Dig Your Dahlias
Timing is everything when it comes to preparing dahlias for storage. In most parts of the United States, the signal to start is the first frost. You will know it has happened because your vibrant green plants will suddenly turn black or dark brown overnight. While it might look a bit sad, this is actually a helpful part of the process.
The frost tells the plant to stop sending energy to the leaves and flowers and start storing it all in the tubers. Many gardeners like to wait about a week after the first killing frost before they start digging. This short waiting period allows the "eyes"—the small bumps where next year’s stems will grow—to become more visible. It also helps the skin of the tuber to toughen up slightly.
If you live in an area where frost comes very late, you can still dig your tubers in late autumn, usually by mid-November. The goal is to get them out of the ground before the soil itself freezes solid.
How to Dig Tubers Safely
D ahlia tubers are surprisingly fragile, especially at the "neck," which is the narrow part where the tuber connects to the main stem. If the neck breaks, the tuber usually won't be able to grow, even if the rest of it looks healthy.
To dig them up, start by cutting the main stalk down to about 4 to 6 inches above the ground. This gives you a handle to hold onto, but don't use it to yank the plant out. Instead, use a pitchfork or a sturdy shovel. Gently insert the tool into the soil about 12 inches away from the base of the plant.
Work your way around the entire clump, loosening the soil on all sides. Once the soil is loose, gently pry the clump upward from underneath. This "lift and pry" method is much safer than pulling. Once the clump is out of the ground, shake off the large chunks of soil so you can see what you are working with.
Preparing Tubers for the Newspaper Wrap
Once your tubers are out of the ground, they need a little bit of cleaning and "curing" before they are ready for their newspaper blankets. There are two schools of thought on cleaning: some gardeners like to wash them completely with a hose, while others prefer to let the soil dry and then brush it off.
If you have heavy clay soil, washing is usually the best way to see the eyes and check for damage. If your soil is sandy and falls away easily, a simple brushing is fine. The most important thing is to remove as much organic matter as possible, as damp soil can encourage mold during the winter.
After cleaning, let the tubers air dry in a cool, shaded spot for 24 to 48 hours. This is called curing. You don't want them to sit in the direct sun, which can cook them, or in a very windy spot, which can dry them out too much. You are just looking for the outer skin to feel dry to the touch.
- Check for damage: Use clean scissors or pruners to snip off any tiny, hair-like roots.
- Remove rot: If you see any soft or mushy spots, cut them away until you see clean, white flesh.
- Label early: Use a permanent marker to write the variety name directly on the skin of the tuber. This is a lifesaver come spring!
The Step-by-Step Newspaper Method
Now that your tubers are clean, dry, and labeled, it is time to wrap. The goal of using newspaper is to create a soft, breathable nest for each tuber.
Wrapping Individual Tubers
If you have divided your clumps into individual tubers, wrap each one separately. Take a single sheet of black-and-white newspaper and fold it around the tuber. You don't need tape or ties; just a simple tuck is enough.
Wrapping them individually ensures that if one tuber happens to develop rot during the winter, the newspaper will act as a barrier, preventing the rot from spreading to its neighbors. It also makes it very easy to check on them later.
Wrapping Whole Clumps
If you prefer to store the entire clump without dividing it, you can still use newspaper. Use several sheets to wrap the whole cluster, making sure to tuck the paper into the crevices between the tubers as much as possible. Because clumps are larger and hold more moisture in the center, you may want to use a bit more paper to help absorb any "sweat" that occurs as the plant goes dormant.
Choosing the Right Storage Container
Once your tubers are wrapped in newspaper, they need a home for the winter. The type of container you choose depends on where you plan to keep them.
Cardboard Boxes Cardboard is an excellent partner for newspaper. It is breathable and helps regulate humidity. A standard moving box or even a sturdy shoebox works well. Simply layer your wrapped tubers inside. Try not to stack them too deep—two or three layers is usually perfect.
Plastic Bins If your storage area is very dry, like a heated basement, a plastic bin might be a better choice. However, because plastic doesn't breathe, you must be careful. Drill several half-inch holes in the sides and lid of the bin to allow for air circulation. If you use a plastic bin, check your tubers more frequently to make sure no moisture is building up inside the newspaper wraps.
Paper Bags For smaller collections, heavy-duty paper grocery bags are a simple and effective option. You can place several wrapped tubers inside a bag and then fold the top over. These are easy to tuck away on a shelf in a cool closet or garage.
What to Do Next
- Select a sturdy cardboard box or a ventilated plastic bin.
- Place a layer of crumpled newspaper at the bottom for extra padding.
- Arrange your wrapped tubers in layers, placing the heaviest ones at the bottom.
- Close the container loosely to allow for some gas exchange.
Finding the Perfect Winter Spot
Now that your dahlias are packed, you need to find a location that stays consistently cool. For many people, an unheated garage, a root cellar, or a cool crawlspace is ideal.
Avoid areas that are prone to temperature swings. For example, a spot right next to a water heater or a furnace will be too warm and will dry the tubers out. Likewise, a spot right against an exterior wall in a very cold climate might get too chilly.
A simple way to test a spot is to leave a thermometer there for a few days. If the temperature stays between 38°F and 50°F, you have found a winner. At us, we often suggest a shelf that is off the floor, as concrete floors can sometimes pull moisture out of your boxes or get too cold during a deep freeze.
Dividing Tubers: Fall vs. Spring
A common debate among dahlia lovers is whether to divide the clumps before storage or wait until spring. Both ways work, but they change how you use your newspaper.
Dividing in the Fall The main benefit of dividing in the fall is that it saves a massive amount of space. You can fit many more individual tubers in a single box than you can large clumps. The tubers are also softer and easier to cut in the fall. If you divide now, make sure you wrap each piece individually in newspaper to keep the cut ends protected.
Dividing in the Spring Waiting until spring is often easier for beginners. By the time March or April rolls around, the "eyes" will be starting to sprout, making it very obvious where to make your cuts. Clumps also tend to stay more hydrated than individual tubers. If you store in clumps, you will use more newspaper, but you might find the tubers stay slightly plumper.
Regardless of when you choose to divide, the newspaper method remains the same. It provides that essential layer of protection that keeps the tubers healthy while they wait for the sun to return.
Managing Humidity and Moisture
Even though newspaper is great at managing moisture, it isn't magic. Every home environment is different. If you live in a very arid climate, the newspaper might eventually pull too much moisture away from the tuber. If you live in a very humid area, the paper might get damp.
About once a month, it is a good idea to open your boxes and do a quick "touch test." Reach in and feel a few of the wrapped tubers.
- If the newspaper feels soggy: This is a sign of too much moisture. Remove the wet paper, let the tubers air out for an hour, and wrap them in fresh, dry newspaper. You might also want to move the box to a slightly more ventilated area.
- If the tuber feels shriveled or rubbery: This means the environment is too dry. You can lightly mist the newspaper with a spray bottle of water. You don't want it dripping wet—just a very light dampness to boost the local humidity.
- If the tuber feels firm and the paper feels dry: Perfect! Everything is going exactly as planned.
Simple Troubleshooting
Gardening is a learning process, and overwintering dahlias is no exception. If you encounter a problem, don't worry. Most issues are easy to fix if you catch them early.
If you find a tuber that has turned soft or has a fuzzy mold growing on it, remove it immediately. This is why we wrap them individually; the newspaper should have prevented that mold from touching the other tubers. Discard the bad tuber and the paper it was in. Check the surrounding tubers for any signs of trouble, but usually, the rest of the box will be just fine.
Sometimes, you might notice a tuber looking a little wrinkled. This is normal for some varieties as they lose a bit of moisture over the winter. As long as it still feels relatively firm (like a carrot that has been in the fridge a bit too long), it will likely be fine once it hits the warm soil in the spring.
The Role of Air Circulation
One reason newspaper is superior to completely sealing tubers in plastic wrap or airtight containers is air circulation. Even though they are dormant, tubers are still respiring. They take in a tiny amount of oxygen and release a tiny amount of carbon dioxide and moisture.
If these gases get trapped, they create a stagnant environment that is a breeding ground for bacteria. Newspaper is porous enough to let these gases escape while still holding in enough humidity to prevent dehydration. This "breathability" is the secret to why the newspaper method has remained a favorite for so long.
Other Popular Storage Media
While we love newspaper for its simplicity, it is worth mentioning a few other materials you might see suggested. Some gardeners use vermiculite, peat moss, or wood shavings (the kind used for pet bedding).
These materials serve the same purpose as newspaper: they provide insulation and manage moisture. However, they can be messy to deal with in the spring and represent an extra cost. If you find that your newspaper-wrapped tubers are drying out too much year after year, you might try placing the wrapped tubers into a box filled with slightly damp wood shavings for an extra layer of protection.
At Longfield Gardens, we believe in keeping gardening as simple and enjoyable as possible. For most home gardeners, a stack of old newspapers and a few cardboard boxes are all you need to keep your dahlias safe.
Preparing for Spring Planting
When the days start to get longer and the threat of hard frost has passed, it is time to check your newspaper bundles one last time. You might even see little green sprouts beginning to push against the paper!
In late March or April, you can move your boxes to a slightly warmer spot to "wake them up." This is also the perfect time to divide your clumps if you didn't do it in the fall. Once the soil in your garden has warmed up to about 60°F, you can take your tubers out of their newspaper wraps and plant them in the ground. For more timing help, see When Should I Plant My Dahlia Bulbs?.
Don't be alarmed if the tubers look a little less "pretty" than they did in the fall. As long as they have a firm body and a visible eye or sprout, they are ready to grow. The energy stored inside that tuber is exactly what the plant needs to push through the soil and start the cycle all over again.
Key Takeaway The goal of winter storage isn't to keep the tubers looking perfect; it is to keep them alive and viable. A slightly wrinkled tuber wrapped in dry newspaper is often a very healthy plant-to-be.
Storing Dahlias for Long-Term Success
Success with dahlias comes from getting a few basics right: timing the dig, cleaning them properly, and providing a stable environment. By using newspaper, you are giving your tubers a consistent, breathable home that protects them from the extremes of winter.
Every basement and garage is different, so don't be afraid to observe and adjust. If your first attempt results in a few lost tubers, don't be discouraged. Even professional growers expect a small percentage of loss during storage. With each season, you will get a better feel for the "rhythm" of your specific storage space.
Gardening is a journey of discovery. Learning to overwinter your own dahlias is a major milestone that makes you a more connected and confident gardener. It turns a one-season plant into a multi-year relationship, allowing you to see your garden evolve and grow more beautiful with every passing year.
Conclusion
Storing dahlia tubers in newspaper is a time-tested, practical, and highly effective way to protect your garden investment. This simple method provides the necessary breathability and moisture control to keep your tubers dormant and healthy until the spring sunshine returns. By following the steps of digging after the frost, curing the tubers, and wrapping them individually, you can look forward to a spectacular display of blooms next season.
- Wait for the first frost to signal dormancy before digging.
- Cure tubers for 24–48 hours to dry the outer skin.
- Wrap each tuber or clump in several layers of black-and-white newspaper.
- Store in a cool, dark, frost-free location between 40°F and 45°F.
We hope this guide helps you feel ready to tackle your dahlia storage with ease. For more tips on growing beautiful flowers and planning your dream garden, visit us at Longfield Gardens. We are here to support you every step of the way, from the first sprout to the final bloom of the season.
"Storing your own dahlia tubers is one of the most rewarding 'circular' habits in the garden. It saves money, builds your plant collection, and ensures that the varieties you love return to your garden year after year."
FAQ
Should I use glossy magazine paper instead of newspaper?
No, it is best to avoid glossy or highly coated paper. Glossy paper does not breathe well and won't absorb excess moisture, which can lead to rot. Standard black-and-white newsprint is the most effective choice because it is porous and absorbent.
Do I need to wash all the dirt off before wrapping in newspaper?
While you don't need to get them "squeaky clean," it is important to remove the bulk of the soil. Soil holds moisture and can harbor soil-borne fungi that lead to rot during storage. A gentle wash or a thorough brushing once the soil is dry is usually sufficient.
What if my newspaper feels damp when I check it in January?
If the paper feels noticeably damp or soggy, you should replace it with fresh, dry newspaper immediately. Damp paper against a tuber for a long period is the primary cause of winter rot. This is also a sign that you might need to move your storage box to a spot with slightly better air circulation.
Can I store the newspaper-wrapped tubers in my refrigerator?
In most cases, a standard kitchen refrigerator is a bit too cold and the air is too dry for dahlia tubers. Most refrigerators are kept around 35°F to 37°F, which is dangerously close to freezing for a dahlia. An unheated basement or a cool closet is usually a much better environment.