Dahlias are one of the showiest flowers in the garden. They come in a plethora of colors, shapes, and sizes and are coveted by gardeners and florist everywhere. But when cold weather arrives, new dahlia growers may wonder whether to dig them up or leave them in the ground. The answer depends largely on where you live and how cold and damp your winters get.

Who Should Dig Up Dahlias?

In colder regions, generally USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 7 and lower ( find your zone here ), dahlias need to be dug up and stored indoors for the winter. The plants are native to Mexico and Central America and are not winter hardy in areas where the ground freezes. When soil temperatures drop too low, tubers can split from freezing or rot in overly wet conditions. In warmer zones, such as 8 through 10, many

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