The truth about my dahlias

One of the flowers I enjoy the most in my garden are dahlia.  These aren't the famous dinner plate variety, but the type that are grown as annuals from seed. 

Before writing this blog post, I decided to do a little research on these flowers so that I would be totally accurate in my description of them.

Much to my surprise, I discovered that everything I have learned about my flowers through experience directly contradicts what I found to be published about them. 

Dahlias are supposed to need lots of water--mine have thrived through drought conditions.

Dahlias are supposed to be heavy feeders--mine don't seem to care whether they get fertilized or not (other than the usual scoop of compost I give them when I transplant them in the spring.

                 Dahlias are supposed to need to be staked to support the larger bloom stems--I have never needed to stake my dahlias.

Dahlias are supposed to like full sun--mine thrive even in deep shade.

Dahlias are supposed to have well-draining soil--although my soil is amended, I've also planted them in soggy clay.

Dahlias from seed are strictly annuals--most of them are perennials in my garden. 

The only dahlia fact that seems to be true in my garden is the unpredictable nature of the seed-grown variety.  It is true, that I never know quite what will grow from my dahlia seeds.  Some plants are compact and bushy, some are tall and leggy, some are bright green and others have a burgundy color to the foliage.  The flowers can be pink, red, peach, white, or some combination.  They can be single petals or so dense that you can't see the center, or any variation of petal type.

Every dahlia is a delightful surprise!