Get ready for a dahlia delight! Experts are urging all flower enthusiasts to seize the moment and grab their favorite dahlias now. With a limited window of opportunity, you don't want to miss out on the most sought-after varieties and their stunning color selections. But here's where it gets controversial... should you wait for the sales, or grab your favorites now?
For dahlia lovers, the emails have been flooding in, and it's no surprise. Dahlias, with their seasonal charm and versatility, add an extra touch of magic to any floral arrangement. From wedding bouquets to vase displays, there's a dahlia for every taste and mood.
The Café au Lait
One of the most renowned dahlias, the Café au Lait, is a true show-stopper with its oversized 'dinner plate' blooms and captivating colors. Lisa Corbett, founder of Mindenwood Floral Design, adores the understated drama of Café au Lait varieties. The Café au Lait Royal, in particular, is exceptional with its soft, velvety petals that reveal a surprise of pinks and lavenders upon opening.
Lisa recommends buying a few extra tubers, as growing conditions can be unpredictable. She shares her tip for protecting the plants from slugs with reusable plastic collars and adding thin layers of coffee grounds to raised beds.
Totally Tangerine
With over 57,000 registered varieties, the dahlia world is vast. Kew Gardens recognizes only 42 species, but the choices are endless. Sacha Przewieslik, founder of The Floral Potager, recommends the Totally Tangerine dahlia. While it may not last as long in a vase, it's prolific and beautiful in the garden, and a favorite of pollinators.
The single collarette dahlia, with its large, flat outer petals and inner 'collar', is a haven for bees and insects. You can find Totally Tangerine tubers at J Parkers, available in packs of one, three, or ten.
Rip City
For a deeper, more dramatic look, Sarah Raven suggests Rip City as her top choice. This reliable and easy-to-grow dahlia has long, pointed petals that curl at the ends, adding depth with its darker center. Rip City thrives in sunny, well-drained soil and produces long stems, making it an excellent cut flower with a superb vase life.
Pompon and Ball Varieties
Fiona Macdonald, flower farmer and founder of Flowers by Raspberry Wild, emphasizes the importance of buying dahlias now to secure your favorite colors before they sell out. She explains the growing popularity of dahlias in recent years, with many eager gardeners pre-ordering popular tubers as soon as they become available.
For vase displays, Fiona recommends the smaller, tighter varieties like Pompon and Ball dahlias, which offer long stems with tight blooms. She suggests checking out Wine Eyed Jill, Cornel Brons, Jowey Winnie, and Dark Spirit for a unique and long-lasting display.
So, are you ready to dive into the world of dahlias? Don't forget to store your dahlia tubers until the frost has passed, and get ready to create stunning floral arrangements with these seasonal gems.
And this is the part most people miss... the essential tools for growing dahlias! From nutrient-rich feeds to sturdy plant supports and high-quality compost, ensure your dahlias thrive with these must-have essentials.
Now, it's your turn! Will you be grabbing your favorite dahlias now, or waiting for the sales? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and let's discuss the best strategies for dahlia enthusiasts!
