Little Tiger

It is possible to leave Little Tiger dahlias in pots over the winter, but it is not recommended as they are not cold hardy, and may not survive the winter. Dahlias are typically considered tender bulbs, and they require special care to survive winter. It's best to store the tubers in a cool, dry, and dark place over the winter, such as a basement or a garage.

Before storing, remove the foliage and let the soil dry out completely. Place the tubers in a cardboard box or paper bag filled with dry peat moss or vermiculite. Check them periodically and discard any that show signs of rotting or disease.

However, if you do live in an area with a warmer climate, such as USDA zone 8 or higher, it is possible to leave the pots with dahlias outside over winter.

To winterize Little Tiger dahlias, follow these steps:

• After the first frost, cut back the foliage to about 6 inches from the ground.
• Carefully dig up the tubers, taking care not to damage them. Shake off excess soil and let them dry for a few hours.
• Store the tubers in a cool, dry place such as a garage or basement. Make sure they are not exposed to freezing temperatures or excessive moisture.
• Once the tubers are dry, remove any remaining foliage or stems.
• Pack the tubers in dry peat moss or vermiculite in a cardboard box or paper bag.
• Label the box or bag with the variety of dahlia and the date of storage.
• Store the box or bag in a cool, dark place such as a basement or cellar.

By following these steps, you can protect your Little Tiger dahlias from the winter cold and ensure they are ready for planting in the spring

To keep Little Tiger dahlias blooming, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, a good planting preparation is already half work. Choose a good spot in your yard, preferably with sun exposure and no wind and with well-draining soil.

Then plant the Little Tiger dahlia tubers 4-5 inches deep in the ground, cover them with soil making sure the tip is exposed and water thoroughly. Fertilize Little Tiger every 4-6 weeks and water 1-2 times a week (depending on several factors such as the soil and sun exposure).

Deadhead the spent blooms regularly to encourage new growth and blooms. By following these steps, you can enjoy a long blooming period from your Little Tiger dahlias.

Dahlia tubers are generally not cold-hardy and need to be dug up and stored indoors during the winter months in areas with freezing temperatures. So you can’t leave Little Tiger dahlia tubers in the ground, because you need to dig them up before the first frost signs.

If you live in a mild climate with consistently above-freezing temperatures throughout the winter, you may be able to leave Little Tiger dahlia tubers in the ground without digging them up. However, it is always a good idea to add a thick layer of mulch over the soil around the plants to protect the tubers from frost.

If you live in a colder climate, it is best to dig up the tubers after the first frost and store them indoors until the following spring when it is safe to plant them outside again.