Introduction
Growing dahlias is one of the most rewarding experiences a gardener can have. From the dinnerplate dahlias of late summer to the intricate patterns of pompon varieties, these plants bring unmatched color and joy to the landscape. Because dahlias are tender perennials, many of us in cooler climates need to lift and store them for the winter to ensure they return next year. At Longfield Gardens, we want to help you preserve your favorite varieties so you can enjoy their beauty season after season without starting from scratch.
One of the most common questions gardeners ask during the autumn cleanup is whether newspaper is a safe and effective material for storage. Using newspaper is a classic, budget-friendly method that has been passed down through generations of flower lovers. It is accessible, easy to handle, and provides a unique balance of protection and breathability that other materials might lack.
In this guide, we will explore the nuances of using newspaper for dahlia storage. We will cover how to prepare your tubers, the specific steps for wrapping them, and how to maintain the ideal environment throughout the winter. This post is for any gardener who wants a simple, reliable way to keep their dahlia collection healthy and ready for spring planting. Wrapping dahlia tubers in newspaper is an excellent way to regulate moisture and protect your investment during the dormant months.
A Universal Checklist for Effective Packaging
Before diving into the specifics of tubers, it helps to understand a universal packaging workflow. Whether you are packaging for long-term storage or preparing items for transport, the principles of protection remain the same. While this guide focuses on storage, if you were preparing items for shipping, you would need more rigorous sealing and immobilization.
To ensure your items survive their time in a box, follow this essential packaging checklist:
- Select the Container: Choose a size that accommodates your items plus protective padding without excessive empty space.
- Prepare the Contents: Ensure items are clean, dry, and stable before they enter the package.
- Cushion and Wrap: Use materials like newspaper, packing paper, or bubble wrap to prevent movement and provide a buffer.
- Secure and Seal: Fasten the wrap and the container to prevent accidental opening.
- Label and Identify: Clearly mark the contents to avoid unnecessary unwrapping later.
Why Newspaper is a Great Choice for Dahlias
When you dig up your dahlia tubers in the fall, your primary goal is to keep them in a state of "suspended animation." This means they need to stay cool enough to remain dormant but warm enough to avoid freezing. They also need just the right amount of moisture: too much leads to rot, while too little causes them to shrivel up like old raisins.
Newspaper is a favorite among experienced gardeners because it acts as a natural moisture buffer. Unlike plastic bags, which can trap condensation and encourage fungal growth, newspaper is breathable. It allows a small amount of air exchange while still providing an insulating layer against temperature fluctuations. If one tuber in your collection happens to develop a soft spot or rot, the newspaper acts as a barrier, preventing the problem from spreading to the healthy tubers next to it.
Using newspaper is also an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution. Most households have a stack of old newsprint or circulars ready to be recycled. By repurposing these materials, you create a sustainable system for your garden. It is a straightforward approach that takes the mystery out of winter storage.
Preparing Your Tubers for Success
Before you even reach for the newspaper, the most important steps happen in the garden. Successful storage actually begins several weeks before the first frost arrives. Healthy, mature tubers are much more likely to survive the winter than those that are small or damaged.
Timing the Harvest
In most regions, we recommend waiting for the first killing frost to blacken the foliage before you start digging. This frost signals the plant to send its remaining energy down into the tubers. It also encourages the "eyes"—the small bumps where next year’s stems will grow—to become more visible. If you live in an area where frost comes very late, you can simply cut the plants back in mid-autumn to trigger this dormant phase.
The Digging Process
When it is time to lift the dahlia tubers, use a garden fork rather than a shovel if possible. Start digging about 12 inches away from the main stem to avoid slicing through the roots. Dahlias often grow in a wide, shallow clump, so being gentle is key. Once the clump is loose, lift it by the base of the stems. Avoid yanking on the stalks, as the "necks" of the tubers are fragile and can easily snap.
Cleaning and Drying
Once the tubers are out of the ground, shake off the loose soil. Some gardeners prefer to wash their tubers with a hose to remove all dirt, while others prefer to let the soil dry and brush it away. Both methods work well. The critical step is the "curing" process. Place your cleaned tubers in a cool, dry, and shaded spot for 24 to 48 hours. This allows the outer skin to toughen up slightly, which provides a natural defense against rot during storage.
Key Takeaway: The success of newspaper storage depends on starting with clean, dry, and cured tubers. Never wrap tubers that are still soaking wet, as this will lead to mold.
How to Wrap Dahlia Tubers in Newspaper
Once your tubers are dry to the touch and the cuts have calloused over, you are ready to wrap. You can choose to wrap individual tubers that you have already divided, or you can wrap entire clumps if you prefer to wait until spring to separate them.
Wrapping Individual Tubers
If you have divided your dahlias into single tubers, ensure each one has a piece of the "crown" (the area where the tuber meets the stem) and a visible eye.
- Take a single sheet of standard black-and-white newspaper. Avoid using the glossy, colorful advertisements or magazine pages, as these are less breathable and may contain inks that are not ideal for plant contact.
- Place the tuber at one corner of the paper.
- Roll the tuber into the paper, tucking in the ends as you go, similar to wrapping a burrito.
- You don't need tape for storage, but if you are moving the boxes, a small piece of packing tape can keep the wrap from unraveling.
- Use a permanent marker to write the variety name directly on the newspaper or apply a small adhesive label.
Wrapping Whole Clumps
If you have large clumps, you may need two or three sheets of newspaper to cover them completely.
- Lay the sheets flat and place the clump in the center.
- Bring the corners of the paper up around the stems.
- Secure the paper with a piece of twine or a loose rubber band.
- Ensure the paper covers the fleshy parts of the tubers entirely to protect them from light and dry air.
Cushioning and Immobilization
When packaging multiple tubers in one container, cushioning is essential to prevent them from crushing one another. If you have extra space in your box, crumple up additional newspaper or packing paper to fill the gaps. This prevents the tubers from shifting when the box is moved. While bubble wrap is excellent for protecting fragile goods during shipping, we generally avoid it for dahlia storage because it doesn't breathe as well as paper; however, it can be used as a bottom liner in a crate to provide a soft landing for your wrapped bundles.
What to Do Next: Your Wrapping Checklist
- Verify that all tubers are firm and free of soft spots before wrapping.
- Use 1–2 layers of newspaper; too many layers can make it hard to check on them later.
- Label every package immediately with the variety name. Think of this as your "internal shipping label"—clarity now prevents confusion in the spring.
- Group wrapped tubers by variety in a cardboard box or a breathable crate.
Choosing the Right Storage Container
The newspaper provides the first layer of protection, but the container you choose for the winter is just as important for your dahlia collection.
Cardboard Boxes
A sturdy corrugated cardboard box is an excellent partner for newspaper. Corrugated cardboard provides better insulation and structural strength than thin, single-walled boxes. It is breathable and helps regulate humidity. When selecting a box, choose one that allows you to fit your tubers snugly without over-packing. Over-packing can lead to bruising, while a box that is too large allows contents to shift.
Plastic Bins
Plastic bins are popular because they are sturdy and easy to move. However, they can be dangerous for tubers if they are sealed airtight. If you use a plastic bin, make sure to drill several holes in the sides and lid to allow moisture to escape. Without these holes, the newspaper can become damp from the tubers' natural respiration, which may lead to rot.
Wooden Crates
Old fruit crates or wooden trays are perfect for newspaper-wrapped dahlias. They provide maximum airflow and are easy to check during the winter. These are especially useful if you have a basement or root cellar with consistent humidity levels.
Finding the Perfect Storage Location
The environment where you keep your boxes will determine if your tubers stay dormant or start to sprout prematurely. Dahlias are sensitive to their surroundings, so choosing the right hardiness zone is a vital part of the process.
Temperature is King
The ideal temperature for storing dahlia tubers is between 40°F and 45°F. If the temperature drops below freezing, the water inside the tubers will freeze and turn them into mush. If the temperature stays consistently above 50°F, the tubers may think it is spring and start to grow spindly white sprouts, or they may simply dry out and die.
Humidity Levels
A humidity level of around 80% to 90% is ideal. This sounds high, but it is typical for many unheated basements or attached garages. The newspaper helps maintain this micro-environment directly around the tuber. If your storage area is very dry, like a modern heated basement, you may need to check your tubers more frequently to ensure the newspaper hasn't become brittle and the tubers aren't shriveling.
Common Storage Spots
- Unheated Basements: Usually the most consistent and reliable spot.
- Root Cellars: Perfect for those who have them, as they naturally stay cool and damp.
- Attached Garages: These can work well, but you must ensure the box is away from exterior walls where it might freeze.
- Cool Closets: An interior closet in a cooler part of the house can work if you don't have a basement.
Monitoring Your Tubers Through Winter
Gardening doesn't stop just because the plants are indoors. One of the biggest mistakes gardeners make is "setting and forgetting" their dahlia tubers. A quick monthly check can save your entire dahlia collection from a small, treatable issue.
The Squeeze Test
Every four weeks, open a few of your newspaper bundles and give the tubers a gentle squeeze. They should feel firm, like a fresh potato. If they feel slightly soft or flexible, they may be losing too much moisture. In this case, you can lightly mist the newspaper with a spray bottle of water. Do not soak it; just a tiny bit of dampness will help the tuber rehydrate.
Spotting Rot and Packaging Failures
If you find a tuber that feels mushy or has visible fuzzy mold, remove it immediately. This is a sign of a packaging failure, often caused by trapped moisture or insufficient curing. This is where the newspaper method shines. Usually, the rot will be contained within that specific paper wrapper.
Check the neighboring tubers to make sure they are still dry and firm. If the newspaper feels damp or smells "earthy" in a bad way, replace it with fresh, dry paper. If the container itself shows signs of moisture buildup (like sagging cardboard or condensation on plastic), increase the ventilation in your storage area.
Managing Sprouts
If you see small green or white sprouts starting to form toward the end of winter, don't panic. This is normal as the days get longer. Try to move the box to a slightly cooler spot to slow them down. If the sprouts are very long, you can carefully snip them off before planting in the spring, and the tuber will simply grow new ones.
Key Takeaway: A ten-minute check once a month is the best insurance policy for your dahlias. Catching one rotten tuber early can save dozens of others.
Newspaper vs. Other Storage Methods
While newspaper is fantastic, it is helpful to understand how it compares to other popular methods like plastic wrap or loose fill. Knowing your options helps you make the best material selection for your specific conditions.
Standard Packing Paper
Using clean, unprinted packing paper is very similar to using newspaper. It offers excellent breathability and is often preferred by those who want to avoid getting newsprint ink on their hands. It provides the same moisture-buffering benefits but may be slightly more expensive if you have to purchase it.
The Plastic Wrap Method
Some gardeners wrap individual tubers tightly in plastic kitchen wrap. This is highly effective at preventing shriveling because it locks in every drop of moisture. However, it requires the tubers to be perfectly cured and free of any disease. If there is even a hint of fungus on the tuber, plastic wrap will cause it to rot very quickly. Newspaper is much more forgiving for beginners because it "breathes."
Peat Moss or Vermiculite
Storing tubers loose in a box of peat moss, sand, or vermiculite is another time-tested method. It provides great insulation and moisture control. The downside is that it can be messy and makes it harder to check on individual tubers. Newspaper provides a similar benefit but keeps your workspace cleaner and makes labeling much easier.
Paper Bags
Using small paper lunch bags is very similar to the newspaper method. It is effective and organized. The only drawback is that paper bags are slightly thicker and less flexible than a single sheet of newsprint, which means they take up a bit more room in your storage containers.
Preparing for Spring Replanting
As the weather begins to warm and the threat of frost passes, it is time to wake up your dahlias. This is the most exciting part of the cycle, as you get to see the results of your winter care.
Unwrapping and Inspection
Carefully unwrap your tubers and lay them out on a tray. Discard any that did not make it through the winter—it is normal to lose a small percentage, even with perfect care. Most of your tubers should look just as they did in the fall, perhaps with slightly more visible eyes or small sprouts.
Waking Them Up
If your tubers look very dry, you can soak them in a bucket of room-temperature water for about an hour before planting. This gives them a "drink" and helps them hit the ground running. Many gardeners like to start their tubers in pots indoors about four weeks before the last frost date. This gives the plants a head start and leads to earlier blooms in the summer.
Planting Out
Wait until the soil has warmed to at least 60°F before planting your dahlias. They love sun and well-draining soil. At Longfield Gardens, we recommend planting the tubers about 4 to 6 inches deep with the eyes pointing upward. With the head start they got from a successful winter in newspaper, they will be ready to put on a spectacular show.
Conclusion
Preserving dahlia tubers over the winter doesn't have to be a complicated or expensive process. Wrapping them in newspaper is a simple, effective, and time-tested technique that provides the perfect balance of protection and breathability. By following the steps of cleaning, curing, and careful wrapping, you can ensure your favorite flowers return to your garden year after year.
At Longfield Gardens, we believe that the extra effort of winter storage is well worth the reward of a garden filled with vibrant, healthy dahlias. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, the newspaper method is a reliable tool in your gardening kit. With a little bit of attention during the cold months, you will be rewarded with a spectacular display of blooms as soon as the summer sun returns.
- Wait for the first frost to signal dormancy and toughen the tubers.
- Cure the tubers for 24-48 hours before wrapping to prevent rot.
- Use plain newsprint for the best breathability and moisture control.
- Check your tubers monthly to catch any issues early and ensure they stay firm.
Wrapping dahlia tubers in newspaper is one of the most reliable ways to manage moisture and protect your plants during their winter rest. It is a practical step that leads to a more beautiful and sustainable garden.
FAQ
Can I use glossy magazine pages instead of newspaper?
We do not recommend using glossy or highly coated paper for dahlia storage . These materials are not as breathable as standard newsprint and can trap moisture against the tuber, which often leads to mold or rot. Stick to traditional black-and-white newspaper or plain brown kraft paper for the best results.
Should I wet the newspaper before wrapping my dahlias?
No, you should always wrap your tubers in dry newspaper. The goal is to prevent excess moisture from causing rot. If you find that your tubers are shriveling mid-winter due to very dry air, you can lightly mist the outside of the paper, but the initial wrapping should always be done with dry materials.
How many layers of newspaper should I use?
One or two sheets of newspaper is usually plenty for an individual tuber or a small clump. Using too many layers can create a thick barrier that makes it difficult for you to feel the firmness of the tuber during your monthly checks. It can also trap too much heat if the storage area fluctuates in temperature.
Is it better to wrap individual tubers or the whole clump?
Both methods work well, but wrapping individual tubers allows you to save space and more easily identify if one tuber starts to rot. If you are short on time in the fall, wrapping the whole clump is perfectly fine; just ensure the paper is tucked securely around the fleshy parts of the roots to keep them dark and protected.
How do I package multiple varieties in the same box without mixing them up?
To package multiple varieties effectively, wrap each tuber or clump individually and label the outside of the paper clearly. You can also use smaller corrugated cardboard boxes for each variety and place those smaller boxes inside a larger bin. This secondary containment prevents different varieties from shifting and mixing if the main container is moved.
