Hi Tiffy

I thought I had posted to this yesterday, but something must have gone astray.

I usually start my dahlias indoors under florescent lamps in mid March to early April, dependent upon my work schedule. I have them ready to acclimatize in early May, pinch back where needed, and they are well established for planting by late May, early June dependent upon the weather. You could readily follow these dates for your early sales. :) Good luck.

I found a link in the dahlia section that might be of help, Tiffy. Note the date of posting is early April. The tubers were set out under lights in late March.

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/dahlia/msg041343391520.html?77

Here is a link that might be useful: Splitting dahlia tubers in the spring.

I start potting mine up mid march also so I have beautiful blooms for June.