Saving flowers

1. I need to save my dahlias, gladiolas and elephant ears - can you please tell me when and how to dig them up - how and where to save them for next year.

2. How do I know what the seeds of cosmos, black eye susan and zinnias look like - are the seeds the middle clump inside the flowers - I tried a few from dried flowers of zinnias and black eye susans they came out nicely but I have doubts of what they are. Thanks for the help.

I start to dig bulbs here in zone 6 about this time of year.

I just dig them, remove any remaining foliage, shake the dirt off, and store them in a place where they will not freeze. The net like onion bags are great, as they give good air circulation. I also hang them, so they will not touch concrete floor of garage. Then in spring, just take them down, and plant. I have saved some for years.

For dahlias, go to the Dahlia Forum and you will find lots of tips on how, when, etc. for the tubers.
I just dig my glads. when the leaves die back and store them in sawdust. Tho this year I am going to leave them in the ground.
Carol

Thank you all.

Cosmos seeds are easy. Once the petals fall, the center begins to dry and turns spiny and looks like a satellite or a starburst. The dark spiny spikes are the seeds.
Hope that helps:)