Oh, one more question: If I choose to plant my tubers in a five-gallon pot, has anyone here used water absorbent polymers to keep the soil moist longer? I want to make it as easy on myself as possible since my spigot is rather far from the bed that I am thinking of putting my potted dahlias into.

Thanks.
Marianne

Wynne's Dahlias are a very good supplier & they stand by their product. I've ordered from them for years & never been disappointed. Here's a link to their price list & photo albums- the albums are full of pictures of dahlias. You're better off going through a dahlia specialist than a company that has a little of this & a little of that- those ones don't know good dahlias & you very often don't get what you ordered.
Most of the suppliers on the Colorado Dahlia Society list of Supplies & Suppliers are good dahlia specialists.
Dahlias should be planted after all threat of frost has passed & the soil is about 60*. They just sit there & rot if the soil is cold. You can start them indoors in pots or some other kind of containers & get a head start on the season. Then when you plant out you don't have to wait for them to come up- they're already a nice sized plant.
I have lots of spring-blooming bulbs in my borders that finish just about the time for planting dahlias--Tet-a-tet daffs esp. but also Hyacinths & Alum, Wind Flowers, Crocus-- you name it!
Dahlias like a well drained soil. They rot if they sit in water. They like to be fed during the blooming season & if you feed them & keep them dead-headed they will bloom until frost.

Here is a link that might be useful: dahlia Albums

Thanks! Marianne

I don't know where in NY you live, but check and see if there is a local dahlia society there. If there is, they may sell tubers in the early spring as a fund raiser for their club. You will find many different varieties and a bunch of helpful, knowledgeable peopl as well!!

Christine

WHAT KIND OF SOIL DOES DAHILY SMARTY LIKE