More Dahlias Blooming in My Garden

August 21, 2024

Beautiful, colorful dahlias continue to bloom at my Bedford, New York farm.

Dahlias begin to bloom with great profusion just as other plants pass their prime, and they last right up until the first frost. My dahlia garden is planted in a large bed behind my glass vegetable greenhouse. We have flowers ranging from small to giant dinner-plate size in all different colors and forms.

Here are more of the gorgeous flowers in bloom right now, enjoy.

: This time of year, one can always find lots of colorful dahlia blooms behind my vegetable greenhouse. Dahlias come in shades of orange, pink, red, yellow, white, shades of purple, and various combinations of these colors – every color but true blue.

: Dahlia is a genus of tuberous plants that are members of the Asteraceae family and are related to the sunflower, daisy, chrysanthemum, and zinnia. I’ve been growing dahlias for years.

: They grow from small tubers planted in the spring. And for weeks during summer until fall these flowers give a stunning show.

: The plant’s leaves grow opposite each other and are simple to pinnately compound with segments that are somewhat oblong in shape. They may be green, reddish-purple, or purple-black depending on the variety.

: The majority of dahlia species do not produce scented flowers, but they are brightly colored to attract pollinating insects. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are all attracted to dahlias.

: Blooms range from dainty daisy-like flowers to the popular double varieties which can be two-inch-pompons to 12-inch dinner plate size.

: Do you know… the root tubers were originally grown as a food crop and eaten by the Aztecs? In fact, The Aztecs used the plant to treat epilepsy and they saved the long hollow stems for water pipes.

: Dahlias are native to Central America and were first recorded in Mexico in 1615. They are the national flower of Mexico and are also the official flower of Seattle and San Francisco.

: In the early 17th century, they were called by their original name which was Acoctli.

: After Dahlias were discovered, they were brought back from Mexico to the Royal Botanic Gardens of Madrid in 1789.

: This cactus variety is called ‘Park Princess’ with tightly rolled vibrant pink petals. It is a prolific re-bloomer and an excellent cut flower.

: Dahlias are octoploids. This means they have eight sets of chromosomes, whereas humans and most flowers only have two. The range of hybridization possibilities in dahlias is countless.

: Dahlias were also loved by royalty. Both Queen Victoria and Marie Antoinette both loved these flowers.

: Dahlias need at least six hours of sunlight a day and deep watering once or twice a week in the peak of summer if there isn’t enough rain.

: Dahlias prefer moist, fertile, well-drained soil. I also add a two inch layer of mulch to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce the amount of weeds.

: Because many dahlias have large, heavy blooms and grow on tall stems, it is important to stake them as they develop. My garden is behind a greenhouse, which provides extra protection from strong winds.

: And I always say, if you eat, so should your plants. Dahlias do well with a monthly low-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer.

: Cut dahlias in the morning while it’s still cool, or in the evening after the heat of the day has passed. Another tip: use an upside down milk crate to transport cut blooms. Insert the flowers through the crate’s holes to support the heads and protect the stems underneath.