How to Care for Dahlias?

Dahlias are fairly easy to grow, but they do require a few things. First, they need well-drained soil that's rich in organic matter and full sun (six or more hours of direct sunlight daily. Second, they are tender perennials. This means that when you plant dahlia tubers in the spring, you should wait until the soil temperatures reach 60 degrees F. This is usually after your area's last spring frost date. If you want dahlia flowers sooner, you can start the dahlia tubers indoors about 4-6 weeks before the last spring frost date and then transplant them to the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Third, because most dahlias grow quite tall, you'll get a more beautiful flower display if you stake them. We also recommend deadheading, or removing the spent flowers after they bloom.