FD - FORMAL DECORATIVE

ID- INFORMAL DECORATIVE

SC- SEMI-CACTUS

C -STRAIGHT CACTUS

IC- INCURVED CACTUS

L- LACINIATED

 BA -BALL

MB- MINIATURE BALL

P- POMPON

ST- STELLAR

WL- WATERLILY

AN- ANEMONE

CO- COLLARETTE

O- ORCHID

N-  NOVELTY

Dahlias grow well in full sun to partial shade. They should get six hours of sunlight a day. In warmer climates afternoon shade can help the flowers by keeping them cooler. Afternoon shade can also improve the color and reduce fading in some blooms.

The soil pH should be around 6.5. Dahlias are heavy feeders and that like well drained soil. Tuber loss is frequently due to the tubers freezing or too much water collecting around the tuber. Adding compost to the soil is recommended. The Dahlia is also a foliar feeder that can take in nutrition through its leaves. Spray fertilizers can be used on dahlias.

Dahlias should be planted outside after the threat of frost is passed. They will take 90 to 120 days to first bloom but will continue to bloom until they are killed by frost in the fall. In hot climates they may go dormant and return when the weather cools. To get earlier blooms outside you can start the tubers in a pot inside and transplant outside after the threat of frost is passed.