You may have more luck posting over in the dahlia forum to get more replies... I started growing dahlias a few years ago and am also zone 5. They are pretty easy. I usually start mine in pots inside. Plant in black nursery pots and water lightly (too much water and the tuber will rot). Then put them in a warm place until the sprout. Then move to sunny window and let them continue to grow. I plant them out once the soil has warmed up (usually first of June). In too cold soil they will rot and not do anything. Just pick what dahlia colors you like. Some are taller and some are shorter. The taller ones need to be staked. I like the old fashioned varieties from Old House Gardens. These are hardy, heirloom varieties. Brent and Becky's bulbs also is a reliable supplier.

Here is a link that might be useful: Old House Gardens

In case you are interested here is a link to some of my dahlia photos. One of my favorites from OHG is Winsome. A beautiful hard to describe flower color to it!

Here is a link that might be useful: Some Dahlia Photos...

Thanks Sedum! I posted over at the dahlia forum too...but i haven't gotten any responses yetYour pictures were beautiful! I can't wait to grow them! When do you start them inside? Thanks again!

sarah

Thanks for looking at my photos and your kind comments!

I usually start them 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. For me this means April 15th to May 1st and plan to put them out after June 1st. The last two weeks of May I move them in and out of the garage on sunny days. If you don't have time to plant inside you can also just plant them directly outside when the soil is warmed just that they will take a little longer to get going.

I don't know where you are in NY but there are several Dahlia soceities that hold Dahlia tuber sales. Link below. Hopefully they'll update it for this year soon. You could contact them. I think going to one of these sales would be a great experience. I wish there was one near me!

Here is a link that might be useful: Dahlia Tuber Sales

Thanks for the link. I will check that out. I have a little greenhouse so it will be easy to get them started inside. I also bought some Gladiolus to try this year. I can't wait for spring to get here!!!

Sarah

Most dahlias will do well for you especially if you give them an early start as suggested. My choice always has to do with the color and importantly the size. Many dahlias can get pretty large especially if grown in the ground in a spot where they are happy. I have had some do well in my gardens but many don't seem to harmonize well with the rest of my plants. I now stick mainly to ones I can grow in pots (those that don't grow to much more than 2'). I have also started tossing them at the end of the season because there are always so many new ones I want to try and only so many pots and places to put these pots.