I planted in pot and put in a cool room. What I've read, do not water...Will see how it goes!

Happy Gardening!!!

You may want to be extra vigilant about pruning this plant as it grows to keep it from getting too tall otherwise the large blooms might make the pot prone to tipping over.

Plant in the smallest pot they easily fit into, cover with soil and water once. Leave it alone for two or so weeks when it will sprout. After sprouting you may begin watering but be careful not to over water. Put it in a sunny spot or under lights until you plant it in the garden. Make sure to harden off when transitioning to out door conditions. By starting a month early indoors you may get another month of blooms. As mentioned by steve22802, large dahlias and a little wind will tip a pot over outside. I have two broken pots as proof. Either plan it in the ground or otherwise secure your pot.

Happy dahlia growing
Beverly

Thank you Steve and Beverly!

I did water once and put in cool dry place. Well, acouple days as I was moving pots around I discovered it had grown about 7 inches tall! I was surprised!

We are still getting cold weather and nite time freezing temps. Winter seems to just want to hold on!

Is it okay to trim back now or wait for establishment in the ground? (probably near end of April)

Kind Regards

Yes, it's ok to trim it back while it is still in the pot but you could let it grow a little bigger. I would let it grow to around 12 inches and then cut it back to just above the 3rd node.