Muhammad Mahdi Karim / GFDL 1.2
garden
Dahlia
Dahlia
Edible
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
LightFull Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones9 — 13
Height1m
Spread0.6m
Growth HabitForb/herb
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH6 — 7
Soil TypeRich, well-drained, loamy soil with plenty of compost
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
Culinary
- Petals used as colorful salad garnish
- Tubers roasted or eaten raw with apple-like crisp texture
Other Uses
- Premier cut flower with extraordinary variety
- Competitive exhibition flower culture
- Tubers stored over winter and divided for propagation
