Plant Bio
How to Grow and Care for Dahlias
When to Plant Them: dahlias grown from tubers should be planted in the spring; if growing from seed, start indoors in pots in cold climates, or outdoors in zones 8 and 9.
What Dahlia Means: Dahlias are Mexican plants in the daisy family, and the national flower of Mexico. Symbolism: staying graceful under pressure.
When they bloom: all summer long and until frost. In warm climates they will live and bloom for up to two years.
Where to plant them: dahlias grow in partial to full sun
Pests: The usual slugs and Japanese beetles
How to Grow and Care for Dahlias, According to Dahlia.Org
In their native Mexico and Central America, dahlias self seed. And dahlias can indeed be grown from seed.
Most people buy tubers at nurseries, or order them online. Your tubers can go directly into the ground in the spring when the ground has warmed and there is little chance of frost. One good guideline is to plant in the same time frame as you would a tomato. If you want blooms as early as possible, you can start the tubers indoors in good light about a month before planting time.
You will then have a small plant ready at planting time. Dahlias can be planted as late as mid-June in most parts of the country.
Dahlias require a site with good drainage and partial to full sun. Pots are also increasingly popular way to grow dahlias.
Most dahlias need to be staked and you may want to plant a sturdy stake before you plant the dahlia. If you put the stake into the ground after the dahlia is growing, take care to avoid damaging the tuber or the root system.