They grow very well here, and there are a couple of dahlia garden clubs in Victoria. This area, from British Columbia south to Oregon, has a number of dahlia nurseries. I have sandy soil, and leave mine in the ground. They are just emerging now. I think a number were killed this winter, though. We had three periods of cold, and I think the third one, in March, probably discouraged plants that had managed to survive the first two blasts. I think those that are not left in the ground, but are started into growth in a warm house, bloom sooner. Diane Whitehead Victoria, British Columbia, Canada maritime zone 8, cool Mediterranean climate mild rainy winters, mild dry summers