Dahlias in Southern California

I know, I know - I LOOKED on the Dahlia forum, but I need some 'local' advice.

I am about to plant a couple of new Dahlia crowns I got today. I have not grown them here in California, though everyone in my family grow them in Washington State. Here are my questions - and thanks in advance for your input:

1.) Can I leave them in the ground year 'round?
2.) Do they remain somewhat evergreen here? If so, should they be cut back at any time?
3.) Can they truly withstand full sun in a Sunset Zone 21 (Zone 9b), sheltered, suburban garden, or should I place them in light shade?
4.) Is now a wise time to plant the crowns / tubers?

:)

I had mine in a hollowed log container, and they did quite well there for several years. They died back with the first frost, but then returned in the spring. They can stand up to the heat in the summer with morning sun and dappled shade in the afternoon. I lost mine because I couldn't water them like I should have the first summer after the car accident.
Thanks for the reminder. Wait until March to plant them. I should plant some more, now that we have the drip irrigation in. ^_^
Hope that helps.
I was wondering if you got washed away with all the storm run off. I heard it was bad up your way. Glad you are okay.
WIB,
SW

Thanks SW! I guess you covered all of my questions pretty well.

We had some hard rain, but no mud. That was further East in Sierra Madre.

Good to know J.man. So many others have helped me, it's nice to be able to give something back! ^_^
Really glad to hear that you weren't adversely affected by the "mud".
WIB,
SW

Jungleman, If you can give them good drainage and air circulation, they should do fine for at least a couple of years. They will go dormant, but come back in the spring. I had one that came back the second year, but we had a wet winter that year and the drainage wasn't real good, so it didn't make the third year. They do need at least 1/2 day (morning?) sun, and they will mildew if the air circulation isn't good.

They should do very well in the Pasadena climate. I gave up on them years ago, because we're too damp here.

Great thread! I bought a few tubers at the co-op and was wondering the same thing! Should I assume the conditions for my zone 24 are the same? Or since I am near the coast, they'd need full sun here? I am planning on putting them in the same bed as my cannas, I thought they liked tons of water and sun...would they do ok there?

Also, do they NEED a rest period? ( I get no frost).
thanks!

Roberta