How to Grow and Care for Dahlias, According to a Gardening Expert

Deborah Stone of Stone Hollow Farmstead reveals her secrets to cultivating these showy flowers—and the one mistake beginners always make.

by Sarah DiMarco for Veranda | Published: Apr 2, 2025

"If the idea of "love at first sight" was ever proven true, it would surely be at the moment one first looks at a dahlia. These vibrant blooms, which are native to Mexico , command attention in any setting, from bountiful home gardens to a bustling farmers' market, with their impressive flower heads spanning every hue from delicate buttery yellows to deep, rich burgundies. They possess a beauty that not only gives gardeners pause but also beckons them to weave these flowers into their own gardens.

This sentiment is shared by Deborah Stone, the founder of the Alabama-based Stone Hollow Farmstead . She explains how she fell instantly in love with dahlias during a trip with her daughter, Alexandra. That influential trip marked the beginning of their own dahlia journey on the farm.

Stone says, "Alexandra and I traveled to Skagit Valley [in Washington] and visited Floret Flowers for a weekend of education on cut flowers. Part of the class was an introduction to dahlias, and we were just blown away. We came home and purchased 500 tubers, dove in head first, and we have never looked back. Best decision ever."

Stone Hollow Farmstead has become the go-to source for all things related to dahlias, boasting an impressive collection of tubers, intensive growing workshops, and a Dahlia Day where guests can see the flowers in full bloom on their family farm.

Dahlias are plants that often intimidate beginners, as they grow from tubers and can be quite sensitive. So, we asked Stone for her essential tips on cultivating dahlias in your own backyard . With this valuable advice, we are confident that you'll be falling in love with dahlias all over again."

Read the rest of the article here to learn more about how to grow and care for your dahlias.