This genus has upright and bushy, early summer and early autumn flowering, tuberous, deciduous annuals and perennials. They bear pinnatifid or pinnatisect, mid green leaves and disc-shaped flowers. They are half hardy to hardy and will need a sunny position with well drained soil. In frost-free areas, the plants may be left in the ground as normal herbaceous perennials, but they will benefit from regular propagation to maintain vigour. Watch out for aphids, red spider mite and thrips. They will also succumb quickly to virus infections.
When the leaves get frazzled by the frost, cut off the top growth, dig up the tuber, wash off the soil, and leave upside down for 3 weeks to dry. Then dust with fungicide, and keep in vermiculite in an airy, frost-free place over winter. Give the occasional water spray or it might dry out, and plant up in a pot next spring in a greenhouse.
Dahlia `Happy Single Date` - orange with orange-red, dark centre, height 70 cm.
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