Dahlias were my gateway to the gardening world. They hooked me on gardening at the age of 12. The lush miracle that emerged from shriveled tubers I plunked into the ground after haphazard soil preparation left me enthralled. These days, a wave of new flower farmers across the United States has led to a tsunami of fans of all ages and passions.

A Brief Snapshot

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Information abounds for novice growers. Dahlia societies are a good starting place. The Connecticut Dahlia Society hosts an August show at Elizabeth Park in West Hartford where these beauties may be seen firsthand. Grow them yourself with tubers purchased from societies, garden centers, and numerous mail order companies throughout the country.

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Essential Tips for Success

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• Full sun is critical for these vigorous plants and blooming powerhouses.

• Plant when soil temperatures reach 60 degrees, after all danger of frost has passed.

• Dahlias require a long growing season so I start tubers indoors in pots. Use slightly damp, good quality potting soil, then plant outside after a few sets of leaves form.

• Withhold water until growth appears, otherwise rotting could occur.

• Pinch plants back to two or three sets of leaves. Really! It promotes additional branching which leads to more blooms, especially when using new single tubers.