Dahlia Guide

Grow Dahlias and your garden will fill with grandeur! Known for their dazzling, long-blooming flowers, Dahlias create an exquisite pageantry summer through fall.

Why We Love Dahlias

Colorful, abundant, long-lasting blooms.
Vigorously flower summer through fall, when other plants have faded.
Wide variety of colors, flower forms, and plant sizes.
Enliven borders, containers, entryways, decks, patios.
Stunning in mass plantings.
Attract pollinators, including butterflies and hummingbirds.
Spectacular as cut flowers for bouquets and gift-giving.
Transform the landscape into an alluring paradise.

Growing Tips for Dahlias

Planting and Overwintering

We ship Dahlias during spring only. Plants arrive at the best time for planting in your growing zone. If temperatures have not yet warmed, (cold zones 3, 4, 5 in particular), store Dahlia bulbs/tubers until your last frost date has passed. Keep bulbs in a cool (not cold) dark, dry place until conditions are favorable. It’s not advisable to store Dahlia bulbs in a refrigerator, as it is too moist and cold.

Pick a full sun site. Dahlia flowers prefer well-drained loamy soil that does not stay soggy. To prepare soil, dig down 8-12 inches and add compost to planting hole.
Lay the bulb/tuber sprout-side up 3 inches deep and cover with soil. Water sparingly until first sprouts are produced then increase to 2-3 times per week. Do not let them dry out for long periods.
If starting indoors, begin four to six weeks before the frost-free outdoor planting date, then transfer outside when danger of frost has subsided.
For cut flower arrangements, harvest when flowers are about 3/4 of the way open; cut stems about 18” long above a leaf node. Immediately place in a vase or bucket of cool water with flower food.
Dahlias will only return next year in zones 8-10, but bulbs/tubers can be lifted, overwintered, and replanted in zones 3-7 by following these overwintering tips.

Fertilizing

Top-dress the soil with an inch of well-aged compost annually. As the compost decays, it feeds and amends the soil. Compost can be purchased in bags, in bulk or made from yard waste. You’ll usually have two types of fertilizer products on the market from which to choose. We recommend solid feeding, as it offers a balanced, time-released feeding and is easy to apply. Water soluble products are good for quick pick-me-ups feeding, when used in conjunction with solid feed.

A Sampling of Dahlia Varieties

Dahlia Candlelight Amberglow illuminates the garden in reddish orange blooms. With super strong stems and stunning flowers, this an ideal choice for bouquets.

Dahlia Tournesol's bright yellow flowers resemble mini sunflowers. Golden centers are a main landing spot for pollinators. Cut the blooms often and there will be plenty more to follow for bouquets!

Dahlia Romantique transforms the garden into an exotic and magical place. Pink petals with soft yellow centers and deep pink tips are striking up until frost. As blooms mature, they transition to solid pink and then soften to light pink.

Dahlia Terracotta's voluminous petals are quilled, giving these peach-colored flowers a spiky appearance. A perfect choice for garden beds.

Dahlia Blue Wish twinkles in the sun, in luscious lavender-blue flowers. Visually effervescent!

Grow Dahlias for a Garden Sensation

Dahlias create a dreamy atmosphere around the landscape. Vibrant colors, intricate shapes, and oversized flowers form a spectacular treasure trove. Grow Dahlias and revel in the joy! View the many extraordinary choices for spring planting on the Dahlia plant page.