If you're dreaming of colorful flowers that bloom from mid-summer though autumn, the dahlia flower simply can't be beat. These beautiful blossoms with their jewel-toned petals are a garden favorite for good reason.

Not only are dahlia flowers easy to grow, their dramatic blooms add long-lasting color and texture to your landscape and to cut flower bouquets. Here's how to grow and care for the dahlia flower in your own garden.

When to Plant Dahlias

When planting dahlia tubers directly in the garden, wait until the danger of the spring frost has passed. Dahlias grow best when soil temperatures are above 60 degrees F.

Depending on your climate zone, the right time to plant dahlia tubers in your garden may be from mid-April to early June. Check for your region's last frost date; that's when the soil will be warm enough for planting in the garden.

Starting Dahlias in Pots

You may plant the dahlia flower indoors. Plant tuber clumps about a month before you're ready to plant outdoors in the garden.

Choose a sunny, warm spot when planting dahlias indoors. Plant healthy tubers in large, 1-to 2-gallon containers filled with loosened, well-drained potting soil.

Growing tip: Keep in mind that dahlias planted indoors and in containers need more care than dahlias planted outdoors in the garden. Dahlias indoors grow best with extra water, fertilizer and staking.

How Deep To Plant Dahlias

How deep should dahlia tubers be planted? Dig a hole in the soil that's about 4 to 5 inches deep.

Place the tuber clump in the soil with the "eyes," or growing points, facing up. Cover the tubers with a few inches of soil and compost.

Do not fertilize the tuber clumps when planting. Unless it's very hot and dry, you don't need to water the dahlia tubers when planting, either. Instead, wait until sprouts appear before you start watering.

Spacing Dahlia Tubers: How Far Apart To Plant Dahlias

Dahlia tubers should be planted about 1.5 to 2 feet apart. This spacing encourages air flow. Don't add mulch over the top of dahlia plantings, as dahlias like to have light on their root zone.

What are the Best Growing Conditions for Dahlias?

Whether you're planting dahlia tubers in the garden or planting dahlias indoors, providing the best growing conditions helps them thrive.

Choose a site that receives the optimal amount of light for dahlias to bloom. Planting sites should have full sun exposure, so the dahlias receive at least six to eight hours of sun each day.

Dahlias will grow in shadier sites. However, plants that don't get the right amount of sun tend to be leggy, or taller and less stable.

Good Soil Is Important If You Want To Grow Beautiful Dahlias

Dahlia plants thrive in loose, well drained soil. If your soil is heavy or clay, loosen it and improve drainage by adding peat or sand.

You may also want to amend the soil with compost or a bit of bone meal.

Once soil is loose and drains easily, you can plant your dahlia tubers.

Dahlias Need Water: How Often To Water Dahlias

You don't need to water dahlia tubers until after they sprout. Over watering may even cause root rot in healthy tubers.

Usually, sprouting takes about four weeks. Once the plants are established, water deeply two to three times a week for about 30 minutes. Of course, your blooms may require more water if you live in a hot, dry climate or during drought conditions.

Support Your Dahlia Plants: How To Stake Dahlias

Support helps dahlias grow straight and strong. Staking also helps the plants withstand storms, rain and wind.

Use tomato cages or stakes and twine to support your dahlias. Just avoid driving the stakes or tomato cage prongs into the dahlia tubers.

How Can I Make My Dahlias Bloom Better?

Encourage dahlia bloom through regular fertilization. During the growing season, fertilize regularly with

a low-nitrogen fertilizer. Choose a 5-10-10or 10-20-20 blend. Water deeply after each application.

Fertilize after dahlia plants sprout, then feed them every three to four weeks until early fall. Don't over fertilize or apply too much nitrogen, or plants may produce small or fewer blooms.

Encourage larger flowers by pinching off the two small buds that grow next to the main, central flower bud. Debudding helps plants produce fewer, but bigger, blooms.

How Long Do Dahlias Bloom?

Dahlia flower season stretches from mid-summer through autumn. In most regions, dahlia flower season is August through September.

This is the best time to gather cut flowers and enjoy the dahlias' stunning blooms. From the garden to a beautiful bouquet, these lovely flowers fill your landscape with color and enjoyment.