All You Need to Know About Dahlias
Why dahlias?
Dahlias are truly unlike any other flower out there. Their form, their diversity of color, the way they make a statement in both the garden and vase arrangement make the dahlia one of the most coveted flowers of our time.
Dinner plate dahlias at the u-pick farm
Getting Started:
There are four main types of dahlias: Pom poms, balls, decorative/water lily, and dinner plate.
At Aurora Flora we only grow ball and dinner plate varieties because pom poms are too small for my taste and decoratives don’t last long enough in the vase.
Ball varieties are the best varieties for cut flower usage because they last longest and still make a great impact. Dinner plate varieties are what we use solely for special occasions to make a statement, though they are short lived.
Dahlias are almost always grown from tubers/roots because it’s the only way to ensure the shape/color/variety you’re getting. Dahlias grown from seed are too easily cross pollinated and you will not get you desired outcome.
Ball Dahlias “peaches n cream” and “Ivenetti”
How to Grow:
Dahlias need a space with full sun. They also really hate clay soil—so you’ll need to amend your soil with good organic matter to loosen the soil up. Dahlias prefer a soil pH of 6.5-7.0.
Dahlias need a LOT more water than you think. Be sure you have a way to water them well. Drip works best. (BUT REFRAIN from watering the tubers until they have some good green growth coming up with true leaves!)
Dahlias prefer moderate temperatures (which is why they thrive in the northwest). Their ideal temperatures are between 65-75*. Here in the south, Dahlias thrive best in the fall.
When the new growth on your dahila tubers reaches 8”-12” inches, pinch the stalk down to two sets of leaves to encourage branching (otherwise you’ll end up with just one giant broomstick-stalk of a flower stem).
Dahlias need support, or they will fall over. Some farmers corral their plants with twine. I prefer netting.
The last giant harvest of dahlias in late September 2024
What Kills Dahlias?
Frost will kill your dahlias. They cannot tolerate any frost. Wait until after your last frost date in the spring to plant them.
Not enough water will kill your dahlias. Too much water (or rain) will kill and rot your tubers if they are not growing any leaves yet. Do not water tubers in the ground until they have started growing substantially.
Where to Buy Dahlia Tubers?
It’s best to buy tubers from other flower farmers, or farmers that specify in dahlia tuber production. I encourage you to avoid big box stores—they are almost never stored properly.
My favorite places are Goldenrod Gardens (a North Carolina grower!), Petal Pickers Farm (South Carolina), and other non-local farms like Arrowhead Dahlias and Summer Dreams Farm.
