Editor’s note: This is the second of three Grow stories on summer dahlias. Please see this link for the first installment. DAHLIAS ARE THE queen of the summer ...

Broadcaster, plantswoman and author Sarah Raven offers tips.

Q:I have Purple Gem and White Star dahlias blooming. When I cut the flowers, they die within a day or two. I have cut them with a short stem for single and low flower displays. Is this the problem?

When selecting plants for this year's flower garden, be sure to include plenty of dahlias. These spring-planted, summer-blooming bulbs will take your homegrown flower arrangements to a whole new level ...