Growing Dahlias in Zone 7A

Dahlias are showstopping flowers with endless variety in size, shape, and color. Worth every bit of effort.

Zone 7A enjoys a long growing season. You can often get two plantings of cool-season crops (spring and fall).

Top Growing Tips

• Plant tubers after last frost when soil reaches 60°F
• Pinch the center shoot for bushier plants and more flowers
• Stake tall varieties — dinner plate types get heavy
• Dig up tubers after first frost in zones 7 and colder; store in peat moss
• In zones 8+, tubers can overwinter in the ground with mulch

Companion Planting

Good companions: vegetables (attract pollinators), herbs

Avoid planting near: none in particular

Harvest Timeline

Flowering in 70-120 days from tuber planting; cut in the morning

About Zone 7A

USDA Hardiness Zone 7A has an average last spring frost around Apr 5 and first fall frost around Oct 28. All planting dates above are calculated from these frost dates. Your specific location may vary — check with your local extension office for the most accurate dates.