Dahlia is a genus of flowering plants that belong to the Asteraceae family, which also includes Daisies, Sunflowers, and Zinnias. Dahlias exhibit a remarkable range of sizes, shapes, and colors, making them one of the most popular and visually captivating flowers in gardens worldwide. Native to Central America, particularly Mexico and Guatemala, Dahlias thrive in temperate and subtropical climates. They were first cultivated by the Aztecs, who not only admired them for their beauty but also valued them for their edible tubers.
Dahlia plants can grow anywhere from one foot to an impressive six feet tall, depending on the variety. The flowers themselves can range in diameter from small, two-inch pompon types to massive dinner-plate dahlias that span up to 12 inches across. Their blooms come in nearly every color except true blue, with variations that include solid, bicolor, and speckled patterns. Dahlias typically bloom from mid-summer through the first frost, making them a long-lasting addition to flower beds, borders, and cutting gardens.
While they are perennials in warm climates, dahlias are often grown as annuals in colder regions, where their tubers must be lifted and stored indoors over the winter to protect them from freezing temperatures. Beyond their ornamental appeal, dahlias attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, contributing to a healthy garden ecosystem. Their vibrant, showy flowers make them a favorite for floral arrangements, bouquets, and even competitive flower shows, where specific varieties are judged for their symmetry, color intensity, and overall form.
How to Grow & Care For Dahlia
Please see our Dahlia Care Guide for information on how to grow and care for your Dahlias.
Our Selection of Dahlia
See our Dahlia Tuber link for information on the varieties of Dahlia that we currently offer. Note that our Dahlia Tuber sale is usually announced in mid-March once the Dahlia Tubers are enroute. You must sign up for our newsletter to receive the announcement concerning the Dahlia Tuber sale. The Dahlia we offer are Zone 7 and 8 cold tolerant which makes them a perennial, but a tender perennial in colder winters.