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How to Grow Dahlia Plants:Dahlia plants are very easy to grow. They prefer full sun. They are big feeders. Make sure the soil is rich and fertile. Add plenty of compost and apply mulch. Low nitrogen fertilizer should be applied regularly all season. Keep the soil moist but drained, at all times.Space smaller varieties 16" apart. The largest varieties should be spaced 2 feet apart to allow ample room for growth. After the plants have grown about a foot, pinch back the stems to promote a bushier growth.Dahlia plants will grow quickly, and will bloom in mid-late summer. Stem tips will develop multiple buds, usually three. To grow bigger blooms disbud the two side buds, leaving the middle, terminal bud.For use as cut flowers, sear the cut end with a match or candle.Dahlias will succumb to a hard frost. Dig up the tubers, and place them in a bed of dry sand. Store them in your cellar over the winter and replant them in the spring. You can mark the tubers with the flower color if desired.Pruning:As dahlias grow, pinch out the growing tips to encourage bushy growth. Regularly cut flowers to promote flowering – they make great cut flowers to display in vases.