Growing Dahlias

Every year my dahlias bloom in early autumn and only have a few flowers. Why do they always bloom right before frost? What should I do differently?

Dahlias are now being marketed as the new fall flower. Some wise person decided to take some of the less than desirable features and make them an attribute. Those growing dahlias in zones 7 and colder know the hassle of planting in the spring, digging, curing and storing the plants in fall, storing indoors for winter and starting over the following season. For earlier bloom the tuberous roots should be started indoors in mid-March. Grow the plants under artificial lights or in a sunny window and water as needed. Harden off and move the transplants outdoors after the last spring frost.