Growing Dahlias in Zone 8A

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

Zone 8A 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 8A

USDA Hardiness Zone 8A has an average last spring frost around Mar 20 and first fall frost around Nov 10. 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.