Dahlias in Zone 7b, Winston Salem, NC

Hey everyone! I am a old/new Dave's Garden member. Have not been a member since 2006-2007. We just recently moved from Phoenix to Winston Salem this past Oct. Cannot wait to get at it with all the new flowers I can grow in the NC. In Phoenix most evrything dies from the heat. Now to my question.

After reading in this forum for a couple of days I see that the vast majority of the Dahlia growers are from zone 5 - Zone 4. Can anyone chime in to let me know if its a lost cause in 7b or do I have a chance. I can remember growing up in Massachusetts my dad had beautiful Dahlias and would love to grow them here!

Also variety suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you so much in advance!

Don

Welcome back, Don.

I'm in zone 7 on the eastern tip of Long Island and the dahlias grow very well here.

You can look at River's Dahlias for some beauties:
http://www.riversdahlias.com/index_files/RiversDahliasDahliaList.htm

Lynch Creek Dahlias is another good source:
http://www.lynchcreekdahlias.com/

Swan Island is so reliable and the lead supplier of dahlias:
http://www.dahlias.com/

Hi Don. I have family living in the very southwestern tip of Virginia. I'm not sure what zone that is but they do get a lot of hot weather. Several of them grow dahlias and they do very well there. There used to be a couple of vendors from North Carolina. So it's certainly not impossible. Good luck and welcome back to the forums.

I just remembered that Hilltop Gardens is one of the vendors in N.C. They are on the Dahlia Big List. I can't remember who the other one was. There is also a Carolina Dahlia Society. I'm sure they could advise as to what varieties grow best in your zone.

Hi Arlene and thanks so mch for the links to suppliers its much appreciated!

psudan - Your post gives me some hope that success can be had in growing Dahlias in NC. I willl check out Hilltop and the Carolina Dahlia Society.

Thank you both so much!

Don

You're quite welcome, Don.

There wouldn't be any such thing as a Carolina Dahlia Society unless they grow well there so...happy shopping!

This is a very helpful link when you want to find a specifically named dahlia:
http://www.dahlias.net/dbiglist.htm

Hi from Alaska. And good luck with your dahlias. I grow them here and of course dig them every fall. Seems to me they would grow where you are and maybe even survive winter if mulched. Not sure on that but your local cooperative extension could tell you or botanical garden would be a great source for info on what works for your locale.

Mary