Dahlias: brighten up your garden

Dahlias are extraordinary flowers that brighten up any garden with their vibrant colors. Originally from Mexico, dahlias thrive in warmth and sunlight. These stunning flowers come in a wide variety of colors, including yellow, white, orange, purple, red, and pink.

At Plant in a Box, we offer many dahlia varieties such as ball, decorative, fimbriata, pompon, cactus, and single-flowered dahlias. In this blog, you'll learn everything about their blooming season, planting time, and care — including useful tips for the best results.

Blooming Season of Dahlias

Dahlias are true summer flowers. They bloom from early summer until the first frost, typically from June through October. Plant them in a sunny spot in your garden for long-lasting blooms. It's best to plant dahlia tubers once the risk of frost has completely passed, usually after mid-May. Dahlias will continue blooming until the first night frost, which usually occurs in October or November. After blooming, be sure to lift the tubers out of the ground to prevent freezing and rotting.

When to Plant Dahlias?

The ideal planting period for dahlias is between March and May. At Plant in a Box, you can choose the delivery month of your order. Want to encourage earlier blooming? Plant the tubers in pots indoors or in a greenhouse. Once the risk of frost has passed, you can move them outdoors. If you receive your dahlias in May, you can plant them directly into your garden. These flexible planting options help you enjoy a colorful garden at just the right time.

How Long Until Dahlias Sprout?

After planting, it takes about 18 days for the first green shoots to appear. Keep a close eye out for slugs, as they love the tender, fresh leaves. Keeping slugs at bay early on gives your dahlias the best possible start.

Deadheading for Longer Blooming

To ensure a rich and extended blooming period, regularly remove faded flowers. Cut the stem back to a new leaf or the first bud. This helps direct the plant’s energy toward developing new buds instead of seed pods. Want even more blooms? Pinch off the central shoot just above the third pair of leaves. This will encourage the plant to branch out and produce more sturdy, flower-bearing stems.

Dahlias as Cut Flowers

Many dahlia varieties make excellent cut flowers. They have long stems, produce plenty of blooms, and stay fresh in a vase for a long time — perfect for creating stunning bouquets and floral arrangements at home. Key cut flower tips: change the water regularly and cut the stems at an angle to prolong their life.

Popular dahlia varieties for cut flowers include:

• Café au Lait Dahlia: A striking dinnerplate dahlia with a beige tone, often used in bridal bouquets.
• Dahlia Wizard of Oz: This soft pink variety, also known as “the little wizard,” pairs beautifully with other dahlias.
• Jowey Winnie Dahlia: A pink ball-shaped dahlia that’s growing in popularity and looks amazing in photos.
• Pompon Dahlias: Ideal as cut flowers due to their compact, round shape and long vase life.

Beautiful Dahlia Collections for Your Garden

At Plant in a Box, you'll find an extensive selection of dahlias in many colors and forms. Whether you prefer a romantic garden filled with pastels or a bold design with bright, eye-catching tones, our dahlia collections will turn any garden into a vibrant paradise. Explore our range and plant these gorgeous summer flowers at the right time to enjoy a long and colorful blooming season.

Order Now and Enjoy a Colorful Summer

Don’t wait — order your favorite dahlias today from Plant in a Box. Thanks to our wide collection and helpful planting tips, you'll enjoy a garden full of color and charm this summer. Choose the perfect dahlias for your garden and discover the endless possibilities of these beautiful blooms.

Why Buy Dahlias from Plant in a Box?

Plant in a Box guarantees quality and freshness. Our dahlias are carefully selected and packaged, ensuring you receive the most beautiful flowers for your garden. With our flexible delivery options, you can choose the perfect time to plant. Enjoy a long-lasting, colorful bloom and make the most of your garden.