This tuber was sprouting out within a week, and after 4 weeks have become a very large plant - almost a foot tall. I made sure there was enough space around this dahlia. There are no buds just yet but I cannot wait. I spent a lot of time clearing the flower bed because it had a lot of vines and weeds. I only used garden soil, and after planting the tubers, I spread some Preen around them. The flower bed gets a lot of sun and I have been watering almost everyday. I planted the tuber at the end of June and although I do not see buds yet, I cannot wait. This tuber is one of the most expensive plants in my garden and I am very helpful that it will provide my garden with beautiful and classy flowers.