We are nearly at the end of October, and here in Normandy waaay overdue for the first frosts.  When the cold finally arrives, it will be time to say goodbye to my dahlias that have given us so much pleasure since late summer. 

I have been asked loads of questions about growing the dahlias, which I shall attempt to answer below, but in the meantime, and just for fun, here is my little adieu to these lovely blooms.

And to your questions, not that I think I am some sort of dahlia expert, but this is what I have picked up through experience: ...

~  are dahlias easy to grow"  YES!  providing you have the right soil and climate

~  how do you plant them"   Plant the tubers in the spring, mark the spot where they are buried and keep an eye open for the first leaves during the summer.
~  do they require much maintenance"  Nope, just a very strong support to keep them growing upright, and regular dead-heading.   Oh yes, and you may want to keep an eye open for any caterpillars or earwigs - to be gently removed to a dahlia free zone!

~  do you have to dig them up in the winter"  This really depends on your climate.  I find they hate being too wet, but they don't mind the cold.  I leave my more ordinary varieties in their beds through the winter, and only left the special ones.  If you do lift them, then don't forget to label each tuber, with a name, colour, height of the...