Looking for the best cut flower dahlias? I get it. Dahlias are amazing to grow and amazing to arrange. Few other flowers offer so much variety and abundance.
I’ve been growing dahlias on our homestead for years now. They are always extremely popular with customers at the farmers market and with florists, too.
When looking for a good cut flower I like to consider vase life, sturdiness of petals, and color. Some flowers are amazing in the garden, but a hassle in an arrangement. Dahlias don’t have the longest vase life ever, but they do well enough lasting 3-5 days.
Let’s get to it – and reveal the best cut flower dahlias.
Best Cut Flower Dahlias
When it comes to choosing the best dahlias for cut flowers, I’ve found a few varieties that really stand out.
One of the most popular and beloved varieties for cut flowers is the Café au Lait dahlia. Its large, creamy blooms blend well with other flowers, making it perfect for bouquets and arrangements. The color can vary from blush pink to a warmer cream tone, adding even more versatility to Café au Lait arrangements.
Another great variety for cut flowers is Crichton Honey. This dahlia features warm, honey-gold petals that form a stunning, fully double flower head. The golden tones of Crichton Honey pair wonderfully with autumnal shades, making it an excellent choice for fall arrangements.
Cornel Bronze is a striking dahlia variety with deep, bronzed orange petals. Its rich hues ensure it will stand out in any floral design, while its medium-sized blooms make it an ideal addition to both larger and smaller arrangements.
If you’re looking for something with a bit more of a classic look, the Frank Holmes dahlia might be the perfect option for you. These dahlias feature large, deep red blooms with a hint of darker tones on the petals’ tips. Frank Holmes dahlias are perfect for creating elegant and sophisticated floral designs.
Finally, for something a bit different, the Crazy Legs dahlia variety might be just what you’re looking for. With a unique, spiky appearance that adds texture to any arrangement, these dahlias have a fun, punk-rock vibe to them. The petals are a vivid magenta color, making them an eye-catching addition to any bouquet or centerpiece.
All of these dahlia varieties have their unique charm and beauty, making them ideal additions to any cut flower garden. By including them in your floral arrangements, you’re sure to create stunning, unforgettable designs that will delight your friends, family, and clients alike.
Why Dahlias Make Great Cut Flowers
Color and Form
I’ve always found that dahlias are absolutely stunning flowers when it comes to color and form. They come in a diverse range of hues from soft pastels to vibrant, intense shades, making them suitable for any setting. The variety of shapes, from spiky cactus types to elegant ball dahlias, allows for endless creative arrangements.
Size Relevance
In my experience, dahlias can produce impressive blooms, which vary greatly in size. Some can be a few inches in diameter, while others can be as big as a dinner plate. This variation in sizes lets me create unique and eye-catching cut flower displays that easily make a statement in any room.
Bloom Periodicity
I find that one of the most remarkable aspects of dahlias is their bloom periodicity. They can bloom almost continually, and when I cut them, they produce even more flowers. This abundance of blooms ensures that I always have a steady supply of colorful cut flowers throughout their season.
Vase Life
While dahlias have a relatively short vase life (3-5 days), they are still great for use in cut flower arrangements. Their short life span makes them perfect event flowers as opposed to bouquet flowers. I enjoy using them in my floral designs for special occasions, where they add charm and elegance to the decor.
Attracting Bees and Butterflies
Finally, I appreciate the fact that dahlias are not only beautiful but also beneficial to the environment. They attract bees and butterflies, which help with pollination in the garden. This makes me feel good about using dahlias as cut flowers, knowing that they are contributing to the well-being of these essential pollinators.
Growing Dahlias for Cut Flowers
Planting Requirements
In my experience, growing dahlias for cut flowers is not too difficult. To get the best blooms for your bouquets, you should plant dahlia tubers in well-draining, fertile soil. You can definitely grow dahlias from seed, but if you want an exact-match plant tubers.
I like to sprout dahlia tubers because I have a particularly short growing season. It’s just one of the parts of living in the mountains I’ve had to adjust to.
But, if you’re zone 5 and warmer you can certainly just plant directly in the ground. Dahlias should be planted about 4-6 inches deep and 18-24 inches apart from each other. You’ll want to consider important things like your location and growing zone to determine exactly when to plant dahlias.
The USDA Planting Zone Map isn’t a foolproof guide, but it’s a great starting point to know your zone.
Watering Schedule
I’ve found that dahlias have a moderate need for water. When they’re first planted and starting to grow, I make sure to give them a good deep watering to help them establish their roots. Once they’re established, I stick to a regular watering schedule of about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, making sure to water deeply so it reaches the tubers. Be careful not to overwater or underwater your dahlias, as this can lead to poor flower production and issues with pests and diseases.
Sunlight Requirement
From my experience, dahlias thrive in areas with full sun, meaning they need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimum growth and flower production. Make sure to plant them in a sunny spot in your garden, as insufficient light can cause weak plants and fewer blooms.
Growing from Seed or Tubers
I’ve grown dahlias both from seeds and tubers. Starting with seeds can be more economical, but it takes longer to get flowers. Plant the seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Transplant the seedlings once they are about 3 inches tall and after the threat of frost has passed.
On the other hand, growing dahlias from tubers is faster. I usually plant tubers outside after the last frost date in my area and when the soil temperature is above 60°F. Make sure the tubers have at least one “eye” (the growing point) when you plant them.
Ideal Climate
Although dahlias can be grown in various climates, they prefer consistent warm weather. In colder climates, I suggest planting them in containers or using strategies like mulching to protect the tubers from frost. In hotter climates, provide dahlias with some afternoon shade and ample water to protect them from scorching sun and heat stress.
Beating Pests and Diseases
To keep my dahlias looking their best, I make it a priority to prevent pests and diseases. I always choose disease-resistant varieties, provide proper care, and avoid planting dahlias in the same spot year after year. Watch out for common pests like slugs, snails, and aphids. For natural pest control methods, you can use barriers, traps, or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs to your garden. Regularly monitor your plants for signs of disease and treat them as needed to enjoy beautiful and healthy cut flower dahlias throughout the season.
Dahlia Cut Flowers: Harvesting & Arranging
When to Cut Dahlias
In my experience, the best time to cut dahlias is in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. I wait for the buds to be about half-open, as they will continue to open in the vase. This ensures the longest possible vase life. Look for flowers with long, strong stems that are perfect for arrangements. Dahlias come in various colors such as red, yellow, cream, pink, and lavender, making them versatile additions to any bouquet.
Preparing Dahlias for a Vase
Before placing your dahlias in a vase, it’s essential to prepare them correctly. I usually follow these steps:
- Remove extra foliage: Dahlias can have quite a lot of leaves along their long stems. I remove any foliage that would be below the waterline to reduce bacterial growth.
- Cut at an angle: I always trim the stems at a 45-degree angle using a sharp, clean pair of scissors or pruners. This creates a larger surface area for water uptake and prevents the stem from sitting flat against the vase bottom.
- Use clean water: Fill a clean vase with fresh, cool water and add flower food or a homemade solution to prolong the life of your dahlias.
- Re-cut stems: As a final touch, I re-cut the stems underwater before putting them in the vase to ensure they take up water efficiently.
Arranging Dahlias with Other Flowers
Dahlias look stunning when combined with other flowers, thanks to their impressive size, striking colors, and intricate petal structures. I try to use complementary flowers to enhance the beauty of the dahlias in my arrangements. Some of my favorite flowers to pair with dahlias include:
- Roses: Roses have a classic, romantic appearance that complements the boldness of dahlias. The combination of the two creates a luxurious, eye-catching arrangement.
- Lilies: The delicate and fragrant lilies add contrast in size and texture to a mixed arrangement with dahlias.
- Snapdragons: These tall, spiky flowers bring height to a dahlia bouquet, while their tubular, clustered blooms add another layer of interest.
When arranging dahlias in containers, I make sure to use vases or vessels with wide openings to accommodate their large blooms and long stems. Additionally, it’s helpful to arrange dahlias in groups of three or more, as they tend to look more pleasing in odd numbers.
Overall, dahlias are a delightful choice for cut flower arrangements, offering a palette of colors and a long vase life. By following these tips on harvesting, preparing, and arranging, you can create stunning bouquets and tabletop displays that highlight the beauty of these summer showstoppers.
Using Dahlias in Events
As a flower enthusiast, I have discovered that dahlias make an excellent choice for various events, including weddings and parties, due to their vibrant colors and stunning shapes. Here, I want to share my experience with using dahlias at these particular gatherings.
Dahlias for Weddings
When it comes to weddings, dahlias can truly enhance the overall theme and ambiance. They are perfect for creating exquisite bridal bouquets, centerpieces, and other floral arrangements. Some popular dahlia varieties for wedding scenes include:
- Café Au Lait: A favorite among brides for their soft, blush tones and large blooms.
- Labyrinth: A delicate, peachy-pink color with captivating, swirly petals.
- Cornel Bronze: Rich, deep-orange petals that add a touch of warmth to the wedding atmosphere.
- Sweet Nathalie: This is light pink, white dahlia is one of my all-time favorites and a strong grower.
With the right care, these event flowers can look stunning for the big day. Just remember that they have a short vase life of about 3-5 days, so dahlias are best used on the day of the wedding for optimal freshness.
Dahlias for Parties
Whether I’m throwing a birthday bash, a baby shower, or any other celebration, dahlias never fail to impress the guests. The sheer variety of colors and shapes available means there’s always a perfect dahlia to match the party’s theme. A few of my top picks for party dahlias are:
- Totally Tangerine: With daisy-shaped flowers and a vibrant, tangerine hue, this dahlia steals the attention.
- Crazy Love: A playful, white-and-pink bicolored variety that adds whimsy to any party decor.
- Jowey Mirella: This pompon type dahlia, with deep, burgundy petals, adds elegance to any affair.
To ensure the best results, I always cut dahlias early in the morning and place them in a clean vase filled with fresh water. Regardless of the occasion, dahlias are sure to bring a lively and impactful presence to any event.
Growing Dahlias in Pots and Containers
I absolutely love growing dahlias in my garden, but I’ve found that they also do quite well in pots and containers, making them a fantastic choice for a balcony or a small outdoor space. Dahlias are hardy plants and can adapt to various conditions, so whether you have a large garden or a small patio (or something in-between) I always recommend growing dahlias.
Unique Dahlia Types
When it comes to cut flower dahlias, I’ve come across a variety of unique types that can add some flair to any arrangement. Dinner plate dahlias, for example, are one of the most striking types, with their enormous blooms. Though the flowers may be too large for some arrangements, their presence can make a bold statement.
Cactus dahlias are another interesting type with their spiky petals and captivating appearance. These dahlias come in a diverse range of colors, including beautiful shades of mauve, creamy yellow, and everything in between.
As for specific varieties to consider, let me share a few of my personal favorites. First up is Intrigue, a striking dahlia with rich, reddish-purple petals and a stunning presence. Another lovely variety is Maarn, which showcases soft, lavender hues that bring a touch of elegance to any bouquet.
If you’re in search of something with warm colors, I highly recommend Cornel. This dahlia variety features dark, cherry-red petals that resemble luxurious velvet – definitely a top choice for a vibrant touch. In case you prefer more muted tones, Cafe au Lait is a fantastic option. Its large, creamy blooms are a perfect addition to any garden or flower arrangement.
For something truly unique, look no further than Crazy Legs. This variety has fringed petals that give a fun, playful appearance, and it comes in a variety of colors, showing off its distinct beauty.
FAQ: Best Dahlia Cut Flowers
What are the top dahlia varieties for long vase life?
In my experience, some of the best dahlias for long vase life include ‘Chat Noir,’ ‘Cornel,’ and ‘Cornel Bronze.’ These varieties are known for their rich colors and ability to last a long time in arrangements.
How to properly cut dahlia blooms for arrangements?
To cut dahlia blooms for arrangements, follow these steps:
1. Choose blooms that are almost fully open, as they last longer than those that are fully open.
2. Cut in the early morning or late evening, when the plant is well-hydrated.
3. Use clean, sharp secateurs to cut the stem at a 45-degree angle.
4. Immediately place the cut stems in a bucket of water to keep them hydrated.
Which colors of dahlias make the best cut flowers?
The best colors for cut dahlias are a matter of personal preference! Some people prefer bold, eye-catching colors like red and dark purple, while others may enjoy softer shades like pink and peach. No matter the color, look for dahlias with full, vibrant blooms that will stand out in an arrangement.
Which ball dahlias are great for cutting?
Ball dahlias, such as ‘Cornel,’ are excellent for cutting because of their rounded, compact shape and sturdy stems. These dahlias hold up well in a vase and can be easily incorporated into various arrangements.
When is the best time to cut dahlia blooms?
The best time to cut dahlia blooms is when they are almost fully open. This ensures that the blooms will last as long as possible in an arrangement. Additionally, cutting early in the morning or late in the evening helps preserve the plant’s hydration levels.
What are the favorite dahlia types for florists?
Florists love dahlias for their versatility, variety, and stunning blooms. Some popular types for arrangements include ‘Chat Noir,’ ‘September Morn,’ and ‘Cornel Bronze.’ These varieties stand out for their unique colors, textures, and long-lasting blooms.
What are cut flowers?
The term “cut flowers” refers to flower used for arrangements and vases. This term is used to distinguish the difference between landscape or bedding flowers and flowers used for bouquets and arrangements. A snapdragon meant to look cute in your front yard is wildly different than one grown for arranging. Snapdragons, Cosmos, Sunflowers, Dahlias, and Mint are some of my favorites for the cutting garden.
