Collection of Contrasting Dahlias: Light-dark

Plant your dahlias in the springtime in deeply cultivated soil enriched, for example, with crushed horn or dehydrated blood. Place your tuber and crumble the soil well to fill without causing air pockets. Your dahlia should be covered with 6cm (2in) of soil. At the end of planting, water with one litre of water. Water regularly during the first 6 weeks to aid rooting. Dahlias are sensitive to cold, so they need to be overwintered. In November, the first frosts will blacken the foliage, which is the time to dig them up. Carefully remove the tubers. Remove as much soil as possible. Let the foliage dry so that the tuber can replenish its reserves. When the foliage is dry, cut the stems to 10cm (4in) from the tuber. Spread your bulbs in a box on a layer of newspaper. Store in a frost-free, dry, cool, and dark place.