Dahlia Tubers

Dahlias, native to Mexico and Central America, grow naturally in climates that do not experience sub zero temperatures; USDA zones 8 and warmer. Their tuberous nature enables them to survive periods of dormancy allowing gardeners in temperate climates to successfully grow dahlias provided the tubers are lifted and stored in a cool, dry, dark, frost free place inside during the winter. Large dahlia tubers, with a high content of the naturally occurring fruit sugar fructose, are used as a food crop, to flavour beverages and in medicine. Dahlia leaves range from green to almost black in colour, grow several varieties en masse for a dramatic show of intense colours.