Dahlias: Notes From a Gardener Paperback – August 22, 2023

Learn how to grow dahlias with this approachable book as I discuss my own experiences with this timeless, beautiful and versatile flower.Dahlias have been an intoxicatingly beautiful garden favorite for generations and have been experiencing something of a resurgence lately. They are extremely diverse in everything from bloom style to size, and a wide array of colors ranging from dreamy muted pastels to shocking vibrant jewel tones. This book covers many of the garden basics for beginners and home gardeners to grow your own, along with other unique topics such as heirlooms, dahlia seeds, cut flowers, breeding dahlias, bee-friendly varieties, storing tubers, buying tubers or cuttings, and discussions about various types of dahlias.I am hopeful you find this gardening resource insightful and inspirational. It’s a combination of dahlia growing basics, along with my own personal gardening notes over the years. I’ve also curated a selection of various dahlia photos I think you’ll enjoy as a reference to new varieties and older classics that have stood the test of time.Table of ContentsDahlia Size Classification 08About this Book 10Where It All Began for Me 12Variety & Diversity 14Water & Soil 18Café au Lait 22Wedding Day Dahlias 28Dinner Plate Dahlias 34Trying New Varieties 36Deadheading 38Bee Friendly Dahlias 42Open-Centered Dahlias 48Buying Online 50Fertilizing 58Mulching 60Micro-Climates 62Labeling 64A Path to Success 66Support for Your Dahlias 70Metal Garden Beds 76Ordering Cuttings 78Buying Dahlia Seeds 82Germinating Methods 86Growing Seedlings in Pots 90Growing as Annuals 94Storing Tubers over Winter 98Tubers, A Closer Look 102Leaving Tubers in Ground 108Heirloom Dahlias 112Cut Flower Tips 116Floating Dahlias in Water 120Growing in Pots 122Pinching or Topping 126Sterilizing Tools 128Dahlia Viruses 130Big Box Center Tubers 134Heat Packs 138Orchette Dahlias 140Cactus Dahlias 142Dahlia Classes 146Anemone Dahlias 148Sports & Volunteers 152Crown & Leaf Gall 154Tolerating the Heat 158Breeding Dahlias 164Hand Pollinating 172Bloom Positioning 174Pest & Nuisance Guide 178Caution & Care 186Resources, Retailers 194 Read more