Dahlias have arrived!

We’ve been on dahlia watch for quite some time now at the Kinship & Vine Flower Farm! The first blooms showed themselves about 3 weeks ago on one of our 40 plus plants. The other plants have very slowly started budding and today we had blooms on two plants! My hope is that we will have lots of blooms for our upcoming U-Pick Event on September 14th.

Gallery Bellini Dahlia - picked in mid-August, 2024

Dahlias are a late summer beauty. As the summer heat begins to mellow and the days grow a bit shorter, one flower continues to shine brightly in the garden: the dahlia. Known for their vibrant colors, intricate petal patterns, and impressive blooms, dahlias are a favorite among gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike. In this post, we'll explore the allure of dahlias, how to grow them, and why they deserve a spot in your garden.

A Brief History of Dahlias:

Dahlias originated in the highlands of Mexico and Central America, where they were cultivated by the Aztecs for both decorative and practical purposes. They were introduced to Europe in the late 18th century and quickly became popular for their unique beauty and variety. Today, there are over 42 recognized species and thousands of cultivars, ranging from small pom-pom types to dinner-plate-sized blooms.

Why We Love Dahlias:

1. Dazzling Variety: Dahlias come in a stunning array of colors, shapes, and sizes. Whether you prefer the delicate, spiky petals of a cactus dahlia or the round, compact form of a pom-pom dahlia, there's a variety to suit every taste.

2. Long Blooming Season: Unlike many summer flowers that begin to fade by August, dahlias continue to bloom well into the fall, providing a burst of color when many other plants have gone dormant.

3. Cut Flower Perfection: Dahlias are not only beautiful in the garden but also make excellent cut flowers. Their sturdy stems and vibrant blooms can last up to a week in a vase, making them a favorite for floral arrangements.

Bellini Dahlias - September 4, 2024

Growing Dahlias: Tips for Success

While dahlias can seem intimidating to grow, with a little knowledge and care, they can thrive in your garden.

1. Choosing Tubers: Dahlias are typically grown from tubers, which are planted in the spring after the last frost. When selecting tubers, look for ones that are firm and free of blemishes. The tuber should have at least one "eye," a small nub from which the plant will sprout.

2. Planting Location: Dahlias love full sun and well-drained soil. Choose a location in your garden that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, consider amending it with compost or sand to improve drainage.

3. Planting Depth: Plant the tubers about 6-8 inches deep and space them 18-24 inches apart, depending on the variety. Place the tuber horizontally with the eye facing up. Cover it with soil and water well.

4. Watering and Fertilizing: Water the newly planted tubers sparingly until sprouts appear. Once they start growing, dahlias need regular watering—about 1-2 inches per week. Fertilize with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to encourage strong growth and abundant blooms.

5. Staking: Many dahlia varieties grow tall and will need support. Place a sturdy stake in the ground at planting time, and gently tie the stem to the stake as the plant grows. This will prevent the plant from toppling over, especially when laden with blooms.

6. Deadheading: To encourage continuous blooming, regularly remove spent flowers. This directs the plant’s energy into producing more blooms rather than setting seed.

Our tubers from Longfield Gardens, ready to be planted on May 26, 2024.

Overwintering Dahlias:

In many regions, dahlias are not winter-hardy and will need to be lifted and stored for the winter. After the first frost, cut back the foliage, carefully dig up the tubers, and allow them to dry for a few days. Store the tubers in a cool, dry place, such as a basement or garage, packed in peat moss or sawdust to prevent them from drying out. In the spring, they can be replanted for another season of vibrant blooms. We will not overwinter this year, but next year, I plan to dig up dahlia tubers in order to multiply them in Spring, 2026.

In the Garden and Beyond:

Dahlias are versatile flowers that can be used in many ways. In the garden, they make stunning focal points in flower beds and borders, especially when planted in groups. They also pair beautifully with other late-summer flowers like zinnias, sunflowers, and asters.

Beyond the garden, dahlias are a florist's dream. Their wide range of colors and shapes make them perfect for any style of arrangement, from rustic and whimsical to elegant and formal. Whether you're hosting a summer wedding or just want to brighten your home, dahlias are sure to impress.

As a cut flower, dahlias do not have a long vase life. By the time we receive dahlias imported from Mexico and Central America, they are up to a week or more old, so we are lucky to get a few days out of an imported bloom. Dahlias are also what I consider a premium flower, and can be very expensive, depending on the type you choose. Cafe au lait dahlias, for example, are in high demand and are sometime simply unavailable. These are just a few of the reasons I chose to grow dahlias at our flower farm.

Conclusion:

With their striking appearance and ease of growth, dahlias are a must-have for any garden. Their ability to provide continuous color late into the season makes them invaluable for extending the beauty of your garden well into fall. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a novice, there's a dahlia variety out there for you. So why not give these late-summer beauties a try? You might just find yourself as captivated by them as we are!

Join us on Saturday, September 14 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for our U-Pick Flower Day at the farm! We are excited to share the flower field and we will have so many things available for you:

Pre-made bouquets or U-Pick your own (two sizes available for $15 or $25)

Home made pickles

Home made blueberry preserves

Seeds from our flower farm

Bulbs - we will have spider lily bulbs for sale

Herbs - we will have fresh mint and basil

Okra - we will have fresh farm grown okra

We will have snips and buckets for you to collect your flowers in, then we will package everything for you when you leave.

For your visit, we recommend you wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty/muddy. If you are allergic to bees or wasps, we highly suggest you bring along an EPI pen. Also, please be advised we do NOT have a public restroom on the property, however, there is a Marathon gas station right next door.

Our flower field is located at: 5888 Allatoona Gateway (formerly known as Glade Road), Acworth, GA 30102. Call Jeannine if you have questions: 770-883-8598. 

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, September 14!