Think dahlias are for grannies? Think again. Here are 50 jaw-dropping varieties that will knock your socks off

Dahlias are beloved by grannies, but you know what? Sometimes your grandma is onto something—bold plants are back in a big way. These bodacious blossoms are a cinch to grow, look exquisite in bouquets, and like chrysanthemums, come in an astonishing array of colors and more than two dozen forms — there are literally hundreds of dahlia varieties to choose from. They’ve never been more modern, as far as we’re concerned. With just a little bit of effort, you can grow these stunners in your own garden, too. 

Planting and growing dahlias is pretty straightforward, once you pick the proper site. They mostly just need a sunny site with well-drained soil, and support for when they get tall. Unless you live in an area where the ground freezes, you can simply mulch with straw in the fall and leave them in the ground. In colder areas, lift and store the tubers once first frost hits.