Discover A World of Dahlias: A Favourite Cut Flower!

Dahlias are the divas of a mid-late summer cut flower garden — bold, colourful, and Full of personality. With their endless variety of shapes, sizes, and hues, it’s no wonder these tuberous annuals have captured the hearts of gardeners worldwide. Whether you’re new to gardening or a seasoned green thumb, dahlias offer something for everyone. In this post, we’ll explore how to grow them, and why they deserve a starring role in your garden.

Why Gardeners Love Dahlias

• Diversity of Form: From the delicate, daisy-like single dahlias to the dramatic, pompom-style ball dahlias, there’s a shape for every aesthetic.

• Vibrant Colours: Dahlias bloom in nearly every colour except true blue, with multicoloured varieties that look like nature’s paint splatters.

• Long Blooming Season: They flower from midsummer until the first frost, providing months of colour and beauty.

• Cut Flower Superstars: Dahlias make exceptional cut flowers, lasting up to a week in a vase and adding flair to bouquets.

Growing Dahlias: The Basics

Dahlias are surprisingly easy to grow with the right conditions:

1. Planting

• When: After the last frost date in your region, usually late spring.

• Where: Full sun (at least 6-8 hours a day).

• How: Plant tubers 4–6 inches deep, spaced 18–24 inches apart.

2. Soil

• Well-draining, fertile soil is essential. Mix in compost or aged manure before planting.

3. Watering

• Water deeply 2–3 times a week once established. Avoid overwatering early on, as tubers can rot.

4. Staking

• Taller varieties benefit from staking early to prevent wind damage.

5. Deadheading

• Regular removal of spent blooms encourages more flowers and keeps plants tidy.

6. Winter Care

• In colder zones (below USDA Zone 8), dig up and store tubers in a cool, dry place for the winter.

Popular Types of Dahlias

Here are just a few of the most popular varieties:

• ‘Cafe au Lait’ Rose – Stunning, large-flowered dahlia known for its romantic blend of soft blush, creamy pink, and rose tones with delicately ruffled petals

• ‘Strawberry Cream’ – Features luscious blooms with creamy white petals delicately brushed with strawberry-pink hues, creating a sweet and elegant garden centerpiece.

• ‘Lady darlene’ – A bold and dramatic variety with enormous, fiery blooms that blend vibrant yellow centres into rich red-orange tips, resembling a blazing sunset

• ‘Blueberry Cheesecake’ – Dahlia showcases eye-catching blooms with creamy white petals splashed with rich purple and violet streaks, reminiscent of its decadent dessert namesake

Dahlia Tips for Show-Stopping Blooms

• Pinch the top after the plant reaches about 12 inches to encourage bushier growth.

• Fertilize with a low-nitrogen mix every 3–4 weeks during the growing season.

• Label your varieties – with so many types, it’s easy to forget what you planted where!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re filling beds, containers, or vases, dahlias bring drama and beauty wherever they grow. They might require a bit of effort up front, but the reward is months of vibrant, show-stopping blooms that make every garden feel like a celebration.

So, if you haven’t planted dahlias yet — what are you waiting for?