Muhammad Mahdi Karim / GFDL 1.2
Dahlia
Dahlia
Overview
Originally cultivated by the Aztecs for food and ceremony, dahlias now dazzle in an astonishing range of flower forms — from dinner-plate sized blooms to tiny pompons in virtually every color except blue. Their tuberous roots are edible, with a flavor ranging from apple to celery depending on the variety. Dahlias are the national flower of Mexico and a testament to centuries of selective breeding.
Growing Conditions
How to Grow Dahlia
Dahlia (Dahlia) is a forb/herb that grows to about 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide.
To grow dahlia, give it full sun. It is hardy across USDA hardiness zones 9–13. Plant it in rich, well-drained, loamy soil with plenty of compost, at a slightly acidic pH of 6–7. It does best with even, moderate watering.
Exact sowing, transplanting, and harvest months shift by climate zone — the planting calendar below lays them out for cool through hot regions. Its flowers appear from June through September, offering high value to pollinators. A generous plant — a harvest for you, and forage for the pollinators.
Companion Planting & Soil
Dahlia grows well alongside marigold, zinnia, and sunflower.
Good Companions
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | Mar — Apr | Start tubers indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost in pots |
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | Jun — Jun | Plant out after all frost; lift tubers before freeze in fall |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jul — Sep | Cut flowers in morning; place in hot water immediately for longest vase life |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | May — May | Plant tubers 4-6" deep after last frost; stake tall varieties |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Jul — Oct | Cut when flowers are 3/4 open |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Apr — May | Plant tubers after frost danger; pinch first center bud for bushier plants |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Jun — Oct | Harvest blooms regularly to encourage more flowers |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Plant tubers in spring; provide afternoon shade |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | May — Jul | Harvest before summer heat stalls blooming |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Sep — Nov | Fall rebloom |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Feb — Mar | Plant early; may struggle in extreme heat |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Apr — Jun | Spring bloom; may go dormant in summer |
Uses
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, dahlia turns up in more than one form: petals used as colorful salad garnish; tubers roasted or eaten raw with apple-like crisp texture.
Beyond the Garden
Dahlia earns its keep past the plate, too: premier cut flower with extraordinary variety; competitive exhibition flower culture; tubers stored over winter and divided for propagation.
