Dahlia Flowers

Dahlias are tuberous perennials in the Asteraceae family, famed for their vast range of colors, forms, and sizes—from pompon to dinner‑plate blooms. Native to Mexico and Central America, they flower profusely from midsummer to frost and are prized as showy cut flowers and garden focal points.

Occasions & recipients - Find flowers by occasion

Best occasions

Dahlias convey elegance, inner strength, creativity, and enduring commitment—ideal for celebrating achievements, milestones, and devoted relationships.

Card Message Ideas

  • Celebrating your strength and elegance—may your next chapter bloom as beautifully as these dahlias!
  • Congratulations on your achievement—your hard work shines as bright as these petals.
  • To a love that keeps growing—happy anniversary!
  • Wishing you renewed energy and color—get well soon.
  • Thank you for your kindness; your support means the world to me.

Presentation Etiquette

Condition stems in cool, clean water and remove foliage below the waterline. Present as a tidy, well‑hydrated bouquet; for formal events, choose cohesive color palettes, and for sympathy choose softer tones. Keep blooms upright (they bruise easily) and include a care note about frequent water changes and cool display.

Ideal Delivery Time

Morning of the occasion for peak freshness; dahlias are at their best in-season (roughly mid‑summer to early fall).

At a glance

Key details

Quick reference for key details choosing flowers for different occasions and recipients. Use this section as a practical checklist: where they grow and what to keep in mind regarding toxicity and sensitivity.

Distribution

Native to Mexico and Central America; now cultivated and naturalized in temperate regions worldwide.
Not globally threatened; widely cultivated. Some wild Mexican species may face habitat pressures—support growers who conserve heirloom varieties and pollinator habitats.
Generally non‑toxic to humans (large ingestion may cause mild GI upset; sap may irritate skin). Mildly toxic to pets (dogs/cats): can cause gastrointestinal upset and dermatitis (avoid ingestion).
Low to moderate; pollen may bother sensitive individuals and plant sap can cause contact dermatitis in some people (Asteraceae sensitivity).
Genus: Dahlia; Family: Asteraceae; Order: Asterales; Common name: Dahlia

Color Taboos

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Growing & tools

Care & gear

Growing tips

Plant tubers after danger of frost in full sun (6–8+ hours). Provide fertile, well‑drained soil (pH ~6.0–7.0) and space for air flow. Water deeply 1–2 inches/week; avoid soggy soil. Stake taller varieties at planting, deadhead spent blooms, and feed a balanced or low‑nitrogen fertilizer as buds form. In cold climates (below USDA Zone 8), lift and store tubers dry and cool after frost; in mild climates, mulch and overwinter in ground.

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