Planting Dahlias: Showy and Beautiful

Dahlias are tuberous perennials and were cultivated in other countries during the 1800's. They are fast-growing, succulent plants and require large amounts of water. Dahlias are heavy feeders and will benefit from additional fertilizer. However, they are not frost hardy, and the first hard frost will turn leaves black and signal the end of the flowering season. The flowers are generally planted about the same time you would plant your vegetable garden. Be aware though that the dahlia’s constitution is susceptible to numerous diseases and pests, and usually require frequent treatment with various fungicides and insecticides.

Gardeners who are looking for a beautiful, versatile and long-blooming flower for their beds should take a close look at the dahlia. Those who grow the fleshy-root super tubers tend to become addicted, joining support groups cleverly disguised as "dahlia societies.” Planters who've been unsuccessful in storing dahlia tubers over the winter may be unaware of the dahlia's quirks.  Dahlias like a constant dark environment for storage-not too dry or they completely dry out and not too wet or they rot.  Many gardeners avoid the hassle of dahlia tuber storage by buying new tubers each year at plant sales.

Most people recommend providing dahlias with at least a half day of sunlight every day. But gardening methods are as varied as the gardeners who use them, and it seems like every gardener has his or her own preferred method of achieving a beautiful garden.

The dormant tubers are wrinkled looking when you first plant them.  In order to grow each tuber must have a bud (like the eye on a sprouted potato).  Dahlias are a bit fussy and need to planted at the correct time(after the last frost) when the soil has warmed.  You will also develop patience as you wait for the dahlias to sprout from the dormant tubers.  Plants cut back fairly hard will produce stronger regrowth from further down the stalk than if just the bloom is cut. Plant your dahlias in beds about the same time as you'd plant corn, i.e. when the soil has warmed.

Plant dahlias when the spring soil has enough moisture to promote proper growth, such as when the spring rains arrive — that should provide enough water. However, the soil must be well-drained; a neutral soil is preferable to a highly acidic one. Planting in pots gives the dahlias a real good head start and assures you that they are viable before they are planted out. Tall-growing dahlias should be staked in order to support the long stems and large flowers. Staking plants strengthens the tree to the point where it cannot be broken or destroyed by winds or rain storms very easily. Dahlias do not like sharing the sun, so avoid planting them near walls or trees
 
Dahlias are named after the Swedish botanist, Anders Dahl, who studied the seeds and tubers from Mexican dahlias in 1789. They are full sun plants but usually will do well if they receive a minimum of 5 to 6 hours of sunlight each day. They are stocky plants with tuberous roots and showy flowers that come in a wide range of colors. Dahlias are among the most beautiful of garden flowers, but they require a great deal of attention and care, and many gardeners, especially those in the South, find it just isn't worth the effort. But dahlias are considered one of the most spectacular garden flowers, so the end result is usually worth it.