http://www.flowersluv.com/2008/10/13/growing-your-dahlias.html

This website is dedicated to growing flowers for your the beautification of your home.
Dahlias are the perennial flower that this discussion focuses on. The plant is native to Colombia, Central America, and Mexico. Planting Dahlias at the correct time is important, late May to early June is the recommended planting time if they mature too early during high heat the plant will not produce well. Well-drained soil in a sunny location is the best planting area for dahlias. Pests such as slugs, snails, eat at the sprouts before they reach daylight. The most common predator for the flowers is spider mites. For more input on dahlias, please visit flowersluv.com.