Dahlias are among the most beloved flowers in the florist’s palette—celebrated for their dazzling diversity of colors, shapes, and sizes. Whether you’re a floral designer, grower-florist, or flower enthusiast, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully grow, care for, and arrange with dahlias.
1. Understanding Dahlias: An Overview
Botanical Name: Dahlia spp.
Family: Asteraceae
Origin: Mexico and Central America
Bloom Time: Mid-summer to first frost
Lifespan: Tender perennial (treated as annual in most temperate climates)
Popular Dahlia Forms:
- Dinnerplate Dahlias – Massive blooms, up to 12″
- Pompon & Ball – Rounded, geometric, ideal for arrangements
- Cactus & Semi-Cactus – Spiky petals with flair
- Decorative – Full-bodied, symmetrical
- Collarette – Single with a ruffled inner ring
- Anemone-flowered – Puffy, textured centers
2. Growing Dahlias for Florists
Site Selection:
- Sunlight: 6–8+ hours of direct sun
- Soil: Rich, well-draining; pH 6.5–7.0
- Spacing: 12–36″ depending on variety
Planting:
- Start: After danger of frost has passed
- Depth: 4–6″ deep; lay tubers sideways
- Staking: Stake tall varieties at planting to avoid disturbing roots later
Fertilization:
- Pre-planting: Compost and bone meal
- During season: Low-nitrogen fertilizer every 3–4 weeks (5-10-10 or similar)
Watering:
- Water deeply 2–3 times a week once sprouted
- Avoid soggy soil to prevent tuber rot
Deadheading & Harvesting:
- Remove spent blooms to encourage growth
- Harvest early in the day when blooms are ¾ open
3. Harvest & Post-Harvest Care
Harvest Tips:
- Use sharp, clean pruners
- Cut long stems to encourage new growth
- Harvest when petals are firm and open
Conditioning Dahlias:
- Strip foliage below the water line
- Recut stems under water
- Place in cool, clean water immediately
- Optional: Dip in hydrating solution
- Chill in a floral cooler (36–40°F) for 12–24 hours
Vase Life:
- 3–6 days with proper conditioning
- Keep away from direct sun and ethylene-producing fruit
4. Designing with Dahlias
Strengths:
- Bold focal flowers
- Rich color spectrum (except true blue)
- Pairs well with garden-style arrangements
Design Tips:
- Use ball and pompon varieties for texture
- Use dinnerplate dahlias as statement blooms
- Pair with foliage (eucalyptus, ferns) and airy fillers (Queen Anne’s lace, ammi)
Color Pairing Ideas:
| Dahlia Color | Beautiful Matches |
|---|---|
| Deep Burgundy | Blush, peach, dusty rose |
| Soft Peach | Sage green, ivory, pale yellow |
| Bright Pink | Coral, fuchsia, goldenrod |
| White/Cream | Blue thistle, silver foliage |
| Orange/Copper | Navy blue, wine, olive green |
5. Overwintering Dahlias
In Zones 8+:
- Cut back after frost; leave tubers in ground, mulch heavily
In Cold Climates:
- After frost blackens foliage, cut back stems
- Carefully dig up tubers
- Let dry for 1–2 weeks
- Store in peat moss, sawdust, or vermiculite
- Keep in dark, frost-free place (40–50°F)
6. Sourcing & Storing Tubers
Trusted Sources:
- Swan Island Dahlias (USA)
- Floret Flowers
- Eden Brothers
- Ferncliff Gardens (Canada)
- Local dahlia societies or growers
Storage Tips:
- Label varieties clearly
- Check monthly for rot or drying out
- Discard any mushy or moldy tubers
7. Pro Tips for Florists
- Build a succession plan to extend bloom time—plant in waves or staggered start indoors
- Avoid floral foam with dahlias; use chicken wire or pin frogs for best vase hydration
- Double support tall varieties with netting or the corral method
- Include in bridal work cautiously – short vase life and heat sensitivity require same-day installation
- Photograph every variety—tracking bloom color and size helps with future planning
8. Favorite Dahlia Varieties for Designers
| Variety | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cafe au Lait | Decorative | Creamy blush, wedding favorite |
| Cornel Bronze | Ball | Rusty orange, long-lasting |
| Linda’s Baby | Ball | Peachy-pink, compact and uniform |
| Break Out | Dinnerplate | Huge, pale pink with ruffled edges |
| Black Satin | Decorative | Deep burgundy, velvety petals |
| Snoho Doris | Decorative | Vivid coral with excellent structure |
| Jowey Winnie | Ball | Perfectly round, bubblegum pink |
9. Resources & Community
- American Dahlia Society – variety database, growing tips
- Floret Flower Blog – in-depth growing and design content
- Local Dahlia Societies – often hold tuber sales and shows
- Instagram Hashtags – #dahliaseason, #dahlialove, #cutflowergarden
Dahlias are a cornerstone of seasonal floral design. With proper growing, handling, and arranging techniques, these spectacular blooms will become one of your most treasured assets as a florist. Whether you’re crafting lush bouquets or growing your own cutting garden, dahlias offer unmatched beauty and versatility.