Dear Beth,

Dahlias are not hardy in our zone. Each fall we dig them and replant in the spring after the temps have warmed up quite a bit. I will be starting my tubers inside very soon to get a head start. Dahlias thrive on being hot and live alot of sun. YOu will most likely need to stake them at the time you plant them, rebar is very good for that.
When you first plant your dahlias don't water them as they have enough water held in the tuber to get them going. When they get about a foot to a foot and ahalf tall pinch off the center tip to get a nice busy plant and more blooms.

If you want a nice selection to choose from ... check out Connells Dahlias in the Tacoma Washington area. I get most of mine from them each year.. I have more tubers than I need so email me if you want to stop over in Plymouth to get some...(that is if you are in the Minneapolis area...)
Dahlias a beautiful cut and in the garden, good luck!
Lynn

I'd love to try my hand at dahlias as well...But I have a question: what is rebar?

Also, if I buy tubers at the garden center this spring, when do I plant them outside? So I need to do anything with them prior to planting?

Thanks!

Idafrances and Beth,

Rebar is a metal long pole, you could also us heavy long stakes.
The tubers you get at garden centers may be showing signs of life.. they should not be planted out until all danger of frost is gone.. generally mid to late May. I start mine in the house to get earlier blooms in the garden. Now would be good to do that. Do not water until you see signs of life. Too much water will rot the tubers. The warm temps will be enough to get them started.
Good luck!
Lynn

Water water water- once you're in the hot of summer be sure you're watering - and a lot. Provided you have ample drainage its hard to overwater these plants. You'll notice when you cut the flowers- in the late season- the stem is all H2O.
To help with water retention- treat the soil with peat before planting- and mulch mulch mulch. Wait to apply mulch until we're out of the soggy days of May and June.