Are Dahlias Annuals?

Dahlias are bulbs that belong to the Asteraceae, or aster, family. They are not annuals; the Kemper Center for Home Gardening calls dahlias tuberous, rooted perennials that bloom from the middle of summer until fall.

Perennial or Annual

• Because dahlias are perennials, you do not need to plant them every season. When winter comes, a dahlia's flowers and leaves will die, but its roots remain to produce new growth. If dahlias were annuals, they would die completely in the winter season and you would have to replant them each spring to see new growth.

Identification

• Dahlias generally grow between 1 and 5 feet in height, but may grow as tall as 8 feet. They produce white, yellow, pink, red, purple, orange and lavender blooms from July to September, according to the Kemper Center for Home Gardening.

Planting

• Dahlias do best in hardiness zones 7 through 10. They thrive in areas with access to full sun and rich, well-drained soil. If you're placing dahlias outside, plant them during the spring season. The Kemper Center advocates planting them prior to the last frost of the season or beginning them in pots indoors.