Named for Dr. Anders Dahl, a Swedish botanist of the eighteenth century, dahlias originated in Mexico. Explorers brought tubers to Spain in hope of finding another nutritious food like the potato. Although unsuccessful as a food product, dahlias bring joy to gardeners with bright colors and varied shapes and sizes to the summer garden.

Dahlias grow from dormant tubers, cuttings, or seeds. Each dahlia plant will produce four or more tubers during a growing season. Dahlias thrive in the sun and are frost sensitive.

The American Dahlia Society's web site contains a description of the 17 flower forms, 15 flower colors and 9 flower sizes from less than two inches to over ten inches.