Dahlia tubers are one of the most versatile and beloved flowers in the gardening world. With their impressive variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, they can transform any garden into a colorful spectacle. Whether you’re a novice gardener or a seasoned plant lover, dahlias offer endless possibilities for beautifying and personalizing your garden. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about dahlias, from choosing and buying the right tubers to planting and caring for these beautiful flowers.
Table of contents
What are dahlias?
Dahlias are tuberous plants native to Central America, where they have been prized for their beautiful flowers for centuries. These showy plants belong to the Asteraceae family and are native to the highlands of Mexico and Guatemala. Dahlia tubers are especially prized for their impressive inflorescences, which can range from small, delicate flowers to enormous, almost peony-like blossoms. Thanks to the intensive efforts of breeders, thousands of varieties are now available, each with unique characteristics and aesthetic qualities. This diversity makes dahlias a favorite among gardeners worldwide, who use them to add color and texture to their gardens.
Dahlias are known for their versatility and can be grown in flower beds as well as in pots. They also make excellent cut flowers and are often used in floral arrangements and bouquets because of their long lasting durability and striking appearance. The colors of dahlias vary enormously, from soft pastel shades to vibrant and bold colours, making them suitable for almost any garden design and personal taste.
The history of dahlias
The history of dahlias is as fascinating as the flowers themselves. The first recorded descriptions of dahlias date back to the time of the Aztecs, who cultivated the plants for their edible tubers and medicinal properties. The Aztecs called the plant “Acocotli” and “Chichipatl” and used dahlias as a food source, as well as for their medicinal uses. The hollow stems of some dahlias were even used to transport water.
In the late 18th century, dahlias were brought to Europe by Spanish explorers. In 1789, the director of the botanical garden in Mexico, Antonio José Cavanilles, sent some dahlia seeds to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Madrid. The plant was named in honor of the Swedish botanist Anders Dahl, a student of Carl Linnaeus. From there, the popularity of dahlia tubers quickly spread throughout Europe, especially in England and France, where growers began developing new varieties.
In the 19th century, dahlias became increasingly popular and numerous new varieties were bred. This period marked the beginning of intensive breeding that led to the great diversity of shapes and colors that we know today. Dahlias became a symbol of luxury and beauty, often seen in the gardens of the nobility and in botanical collections.
Today, dahlias are loved all over the world. They are grown for both their aesthetic value and their versatility in the garden. Numerous dahlia shows and competitions are held each year, showcasing the most beautiful and unique varieties. Dahlia tubers continue to inspire and delight gardeners and flower lovers everywhere.
Types of dahlias
The variety of dahlias is truly astonishing. They come in numerous colors, including red, pink, purple, white, yellow, and even two-tone and multi-color combinations. Moreover, they come in different shapes and sizes, from small pompom dahlias to giant 'dinnerplate' dahlias that can reach 30cm in diameter. These varieties offer endless possibilities for gardeners to create creative and vibrant displays in their gardens. Here are some of the most popular types of dahlias:
pompon
Pompon dahlias are loved for their small, perfectly round flowers that have a playful and cheerful appearance. The flowers are densely packed and almost resemble colorful balls, making them particularly suitable for compact gardens and as striking elements in larger borders.
Decorative
Decorative Dahlia tubers are one of the most diverse groups within the dahlia family. These dahlias range from single to double flowers and have a rich, full appearance. They are often larger and more showy than pompon Dahlia tubers and come in a wide range of colours and patterns, making them ideal for striking flower arrangements and garden beds.
Cactus
Cactus dahlias are easily recognized by their pointed, pointed petals that have a dramatic and exotic appearance. These dahlias may vary in size, but their unique petals make for a textural addition to any garden. They are particularly impressive when planted in large numbers.
Anemone flowered
Anemone-flowered dahlias have a very distinctive appearance with a striking center of tubular petals surrounded by larger, flat petals. This gives the flowers a layered and interesting structure that is attractive to gardeners and insects alike. They are an excellent choice for those looking for something unusual and visually appealing in the garden.
Dinner plate
Dinnerplate dahlias, as their name suggests, are enormous and can make an impressive focal point in any garden. These giant flowers can reach a diameter of up to 30cm and are perfect for dramatic, show-stopping displays. Their size and colors vary, but their impact in the garden is always spectacular.
In addition, there are many more types of Dahlia tubers, each bringing their own unique charm and beauty. Miniature dahlias, for example, are perfect for smaller gardens or container plantings, while peony-flowered dahlias can create a romantic atmosphere with their lush, peony-like blossoms. In combination with the different colors and shapes, dahlias can be adapted to almost any garden design and personal preference.
Buy dahlia
When buying dahlias, it is important to pay careful attention to the quality of the tubers to ensure that you get the most beautiful and healthy plants in your garden. Healthy dahlia tubers are firm and full, with no signs of mold, rot or dehydration. They should have a smooth, undamaged exterior and no soft or mushy spots, which could indicate deterioration or poor storage conditions.
What to pay attention to when purchasing dahlia tubers
Quality of the tubers
Make sure the tubers feel firm and dry. Avoid tubers that are soft, mushy or moldy, as this may indicate spoilage or poor storage conditions.
Size of the tubers
Larger tubers contain more nutrients and will usually lead to bolder and larger flowers. Check the size of the tubers to ensure you get high quality plants.
Appearance of the tubers
Look at the outside of the tubers; they should have intact skin with no cuts, cracks or other damage that could lead to problems during the growing season.
Reliability of the supplier
Always buy from a trusted and respected seller. Good suppliers ensure proper storage and handling of their tubers, which improves growth opportunities. A reputable grower can also provide advice on which varieties are best suited to your garden.
Visit our extensive dahlia assortment for a wide range of options and choose the perfect dahlias for your garden. Here you will find high quality tubers that have been carefully selected to ensure the best results so that your garden will bloom in all its glory this season and for years to come.
Dahlia plants
Planting dahlias is a relatively simple task, but there are some important steps you need to follow to ensure your plants grow and bloom optimally. Dahlias should be planted after the danger of frost has passed, usually in late spring. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Dig a hole about 15-20 cm deep and place the tuber with the eyes up. Cover the tuber with soil and water well. For more detailed instructions on planting dahlias, visit our dahlia plants page.
Dahlia care
Dahlias need regular water and nutrition during their growing season to reach their full potential. Make sure the soil remains evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging. Adding a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks can promote flowering. When the flowers begin to fade, remove spent blooms to encourage the plant to produce more blooms. Dahlias are sensitive to frost, so in areas with cold winters it is important to dig up the tubers and store them indoors. For detailed tips and advice on caring for dahlias, consult our dahlia care page.
Dahlias in the garden
Dahlias are not only beautiful as garden plants, but they are also excellent as cut flowers. Their long flowering period, from summer to the first frost, ensures that you can enjoy their floral beauty all season long. Whether you have a formal flower garden, a lush border, or a wildflower garden, dahlias can be a valuable addition that provides color and structure.
Closing note
Dahlias are one of the most versatile and beloved flowers that can transform any garden into a colorful spectacle. Their impressive variety of colors, shapes and sizes makes them suitable for both novice gardeners and seasoned plant enthusiasts. Dahlias offer endless possibilities to embellish and personalize your garden, whether you choose small, playful pompom dahlias or giant dinner plate dahlias that make a dramatic impact.
Choosing healthy dahlia tubers is crucial to the success of your dahlias. When purchasing, pay attention to the quality, size and appearance of the tubers, and buy from a reliable supplier. Once planted, dahlias require regular care, including adequate water and nutrients, to bloom optimally. By removing spent flowers, you encourage the plant to produce even more flowers.
In addition to their beauty in the garden, dahlias also make excellent cut flowers that have a long shelf life and are perfect for bouquets and floral arrangements. Their long flowering period, from summer to the first frost, ensures that you can enjoy their floral beauty all season long.
For more information about choosing, planting and caring for dahlias, visit our dahlia assortment page and discover the versatile world of these beautiful flowers. Whether you're looking for detailed planting instructions or tips for the best care, our dahlia plants and dahlia care pages provide all the information you need to grow your dahlias to their full potential. With the right care and attention, dahlias will enrich your garden with their spectacular blooms year after year.
