What is a dahlia?

A bushy perennial plant native to Mexico.  There are 42 species of dahlia, with hybrids commonly grown as garden plants.  Flower forms are variable, with one head per stem; these can be as small as 2 in (5.1 cm) diameter or up to 1 ft (30 cm) ("dinner plate").

The stems are leafy, ranging in height from as low as 12 in (30 cm) to more than 6–8 ft (1.8–2.4 m). The majority of species do not produce scented flowers. Like most plants that do not attract pollinating insects through scent, they are brightly colored, displaying most hues, with the exception of blue.

The dahlia was declared the national flower of Mexico in 1963.  The tubers were grown as a food crop by the Aztecs, but this use largely died out after the Spanish Conquest. Attempts to introduce the tubers as a food crop in Europe were unsuccessful. 

  • Yes, many folks buy them from their local garden store.  They are either a bag of tubers ( like potatoes ) that usually have a sprout coming from them or they are potted and are very well along in growth.  Both of these can be put into the ground once it has warmed up and will flower late July through Oct or the first frost.  Many folks do that and then when the ground freezes, the tubers will die and in the spring you will purchase more and start over again. Other gardeners will dig up the tubers once a frost hits and with a little care will store them until next year to plant.

  • DescriptDahlias grow naturally in climates which do not experience frost, consequently they are not adapted to withstand sub-zero temperatures. However their tuberous nature enables them to survive periods of dormancy, and this characteristic means that gardeners in temperate climates with frosts can grow dahlias successfully, provided the tubers are lifted from the ground and stored in cool yet frost-free conditions during the winter. ion text goes here

  • When in active growth, modern dahlia hybrids perform most successfully in well-watered yet free-draining soils, in situations receiving plenty of sunlight. Taller cultivars usually require some form of staking as they grow, and all garden dahlias need deadheading regularly, once flowering commences.  

  • A tuber is much like a potato.  It grows in a clump under the soil beneath the dahlia plant.  Many of the tubers will have eyes much like a potato and where they will sprout when awoke for the spring planting. There are numerous ways to harvest the tubers, prepare them for their dormant period, and store for the winter.

  • ADS (registered) dahlias are assigned a 4-digit classification number, depending on their size, form and
    color. The formula used for assigning the numbers may seem a little complicated at first, but once you
    have a good overview of how it is done, it becomes a great tool for helping growers to identify their
    cultivars. The classification number is used when exhibiting in shows. It is also used in documentation,
    and by sellers.

    The American Dahlia Society has great information on the classification system that can be found Here.