Show 'N Tell

Here's a brief step-by-step guide for planting Show 'N Tell dahlias:

• Choose a planting location that receives full sun (at least 6 hours) and has well-drained soil.
• Dig a hole that's about 4-5 inches deep and wide enough to comfortably fit the dahlia tuber.
• Add a layer of compost or well-aged manure to the bottom of the hole.
• Place the dahlia tuber in the hole with the sprouts facing up.
• Cover the tuber with soil, leaving about 2 inches of soil above it.
• Water the newly planted tuber thoroughly.
• As the dahlia grows, provide regular water and fertilization as needed.
• Stake the plants as they grow taller to prevent them from falling over.

Enjoy the beautiful blooms that will emerge from your Show 'N Tell dahlias!

Dahlias are tender perennials that can be left in the ground over winter only in areas with mild winter climates, such as in USDA zones 8 or higher. Give them an extra layer of mulch in the wintertime.

In regions with frosty winters, it's best to lift the tubers and store them in a cool, dry place until the following spring. Leaving them in the ground exposes them to freezing temperatures that can kill the tubers, rendering them unable to grow in the spring. Therefore, it's recommended to lift and store the tubers for winter protection in most regions.

Show ‘N Tell dahlias benefit from a balanced fertilizer that provides essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A good fertilizer for Show ‘N Tell dahlias should have a higher phosphorus content to promote root and flower growth. A ratio of 5-10-10 or 10-20-20 is ideal.

However, it is also essential to consider the soil pH as dahlias prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Before applying any fertilizer, it is crucial to test the soil to determine its nutrient content and adjust the fertilizer accordingly. Additionally, it is recommended to apply fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.

Yes, Show 'N Tell dahlias can come back every year if they are properly cared for during the dormant season. Show 'N Tell dahlias are perennial plants, meaning they have the potential to survive and bloom for multiple years.

However, they are not cold-hardy and cannot withstand freezing temperatures, so they must be lifted from the ground and stored indoors during the winter months in regions with freezing temperatures. To ensure their survival, it is important to dig up the tubers after the first frost, clean and dry them, and store them in a cool, dry, and dark place until the next planting season.

In areas with a warmer climate, such as in USDA climate zones 8 or higher, you can leave Show ‘N Tell dahlias outside. After blooming time, just cut back the dead foliage and the stem till there is 6 inches left, and cover the dahlia with an extra layer of mulch.