Growing Dahlia's in Florida?

I live in zone 9B-10 and am thinking about trying to plant some Dahlia's (end of March). There are some gorgeous varieties available but I never see them around here. The ones I'm looking at say that they are suitable for zones 4-10. Has anybody had personal experience? Also, seeing that they grow so tall is it necessary to support or stake them? Any special care? Any info would be helpful as I'm in that gardening/plant ordering mood! haha

Growing Dahlia's in Florida?
Hello Kathleen -





You can certainly grow Dahlias in FL. I am in SoCal and altho I have a warm climate (like you); you have moist conditions compared to California. However, this is a benefit to you in growing these.





Depending on the type of Dahlia which you grow, you will need stakes for the giant varieties (for instance, "Dinner Plate" varieties) - the smaller varieties you (may) not. They will flourish in the heat of a FL summer and should do very well in a well conditioned soil. You may not see them very often because the marigold crowd is usually getting plants from the Home Depot and the most exotic of plants and varieties will come from mail order houses, etc. Can I also recommend: http://www.willowcreekgardens.com/ for their Dahlias. These growers (based in SoCalifornia) grow plants for warmer climates (such as yours and mine) and their customer support (also run by another 'Kathleen') is the best I have encountered in mailorder nurseries - plus, their plants are hardy for these climates vs. buying them from a more Northern nursery.





So, you are wise to order these (in your plant ordering mood) to make a great garden. In short: you should not have any troubles with growing Dahlias in FL.





Enjoy!
Reply:WillowCreek has some of the best bulbs in the biz - and, wmail them and express ur concerns about growing. Their support is WONDERFUL and keeps many people for continually shopping because its rare to find such great support form them. ENJOY your Dahlias -- I feel u will do great w/ them! Report It

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