Dahlia resources thread

In addition to this forum, DG provides you with many ways to learn more about Dahlias, find sources, and share what you know with others. This thread is intended to help you explore those features and provide a permanent reference tool with helpful links and shortcuts.

Getting the most from PlantFiles

PlantFiles has hundreds of Dahlia entries and tons of information - here are some tips to track down what you're looking for:

1) The cultivar-finder for Dahlias lets you browse all cultivars alphabetically: http://davesgarden.com/pf/finder/index.php?sname=Dahlias&submit=submit

2) The Advanced Search lets you find the Dahlias that meet your specifications (section, bloom color, size, height, etc.) http://davesgarden.com/pf/advanced.php?sname=Dahlias (Note: You can - and should - skip past any detail sections that you don't care about.)

3) Here are some general search and browse tips that may be helpful: http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/608659/

If we've missed a Dahlia, here's a link to add a new entry: http://davesgarden.com/pf/add.php

Within any entry (one you added, or existing entries), you can add your own comment, photo and/or ZIP code report if it grows well in your garden! The screen shot below shows you where to look for the ZIP code field; the links to add an image or comment are directly beneath that field.

Finding supplies or a particular variety to buy

1) PlantScout has several vendors that carry various Dahlia cultivars. Here's a list of the results when searching for "Dahlia": http://davesgarden.com/ps/search.php?search_text=dahlia+&submit=Search

You can always search for a particular Dahlia cultivar, too - here's an example of searching for Barbarossa: http://davesgarden.com/ps/search.php?search_text=barbarossa&submit=Search

Hint: Clicking on the company name in the second column will let you browse that company's entire PlantScout product list.

2) You may find advertised specials in our Classified Ads forum - be sure to check there for special deals and offers, many of which are just for DG members: http://davesgarden.com/forums/f/bulletins/
(Vendors or members with excess tubers: be sure to check out this cost-effective tool for selling your extras!)

3) The Garden Watchdog also has a category devoted to Dahlias: http://davesgarden.com/gwd/advanced.php?category=8&submit=Go

There is also a category for Tags & Markers: http://davesgarden.com/gwd/advanced.php?category=79&submit=Go if you need help keeping track of your cultivars.

As you can see, using the pull-down list is the best way to find a category (see screenshot below to see how it works.)

P.S. When you've ordered from a company listed in the Watchdog, be sure to leave feedback - what you know helps others!

Using the Garden Bookworm

If you want to read up on Dahlias our Bookworm lists some books on the subject: http://davesgarden.com/gbw/advanced.php?search_text=dahlia

When you've selected a book from the Bookworm's list, you can clicking on the picture of the cover to access Amazon.com where you can purchase it or read more reviews and information.

Hint: If you've read a book listed in the Bookworm, we invite you to review it for the benefit of your fellow gardeners. If it's not listed, please add it. Good books are a good investment, but bad books are a waste of money we could have spent on more plants!

Member's Favorite Threads

1) Doss's Planting & Propagation: http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/518177/
2) Poochella's Digging & Dividing: http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/662385/
3) Doss' Pests & Diseases: : http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/518178/
4) zone5girl's Pinching/pruning: http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/609717/
5) bigcityal's winter stake project: http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/559258/
6) NOH2O's Dahlia fertilizer: http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/518008/

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Do you have a favorite DG thread regarding a particular Dahlia topic? Please send us a link here: http://davesgarden.com/helpdesk/forums/ so we can add it to this list!

Final note

Your feedback on this thread is encouraged and welcome, and a thread has been set up specifically for that purpose: http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/665464/