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Dahlia Bulbs Perhaps one of the most captivating things about Dahlias is the layered look of their flower heads. Whether its the single, anemone flowering, puff ball, or giant dinner plate that is the favourite, American gardeners have been turning to Dahlias for a couple of hundred years. This native of Mexico is one of the key players in the spring planting bulb crowd. Every year, breaktaking new shapes and colours emerge and few flowers can surpass the Dahlia for architectural appeal.

Dahlias are grown from tubers and many gardeners get a head start by planting them indoors six weeks before the last winter frost. Dahlias should be planted 2" to 3" deep. For bushier growth, pinch plants at three weeks. When the last danger of frost is over, transplant to a sunny location outdoors. Of recent years, many gardeners have begun to realize the potential of the Dahlia as a potted plant, particularly the shorter varieties. But, in the perennial border, the big guys can reach upwards of five feet in height and offer a succession of radiant blooms all summer long and into early fall. Dahlia tubers should be dug up before the first fall night frost and stored again for next years' planting. Keep them in a cool, dark, dry place.

Some beautiful varieties are available which gradate in colour from the center outward, like a spectacular firework. Some of the smaller flowering varieties have a charm of their own, particularly those of the white "collar" type, whose delicate inner ring of petals makes a striking contrast. Some Dahlias need to be staked and all varieties should be dead headed frequently to prolong the blooming season.