Dahlia

Zone 12a Save Garden

🌱 60d to harvest Clumping

Velvety petals unfurl in a riot of color, each bloom holding its form like a jeweled rosette—bold, luminous, and unmistakably gar…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jan 1st
Harvest Begins	Mar 2nd
Harvest Ends	Dec 31st

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Clumping
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	40
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Recommended Companions

Sea Shells Apricot Cosmos

Zinnia Zinnia

Cosmos Cosmos

Lemon Gem Marigold

Benary's Giant Zinnia

Sea Shells Mix Cosmos

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most common on Dahlia pinnata, and how can I treat it?

Dahlia pinnata commonly suffers from powdery mildew (white dusting on leaves) and leaf spot, especially in humid weather. Remove badly affected leaves, improve airflow by spacing plants, and spray with a horticultural fungicide labeled for powdery mildew/leaf spot early in symptoms. For slugs on new shoots, hand-pick at dusk and use iron-phosphate bait around the base to reduce damage.

How often should I water Dahlia pinnata during the main growing phase?

During active growth and bud formation, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—water deeply about 1–2 times per week depending on heat and rainfall. Aim for damp soil 5–8 cm down, and let the top 2–3 cm dry slightly between waterings to prevent tuber rot and fungal leaf diseases. Avoid wetting the foliage; water at the soil line to slow down mildew.

How do I know when Dahlia pinnata is ready to harvest for cut flowers?

Harvest when flower heads are fully colored and the ray florets are open, but before the centers become overly spent and shriveled. For best vase life, cut in the morning and choose blooms with firm petals that still look fresh in the center. If you’re growing for the longest season, continue cutting regularly to encourage more Dahlia blooms.

Velvety petals unfurl in a riot of color, each bloom holding its form like a jeweled rosette—bold, luminous, and unmistakably garden-bright. Dahlia tubers of this Garden Dahlia type reward attentive growers with abundant, showy flowers over a steady 60-day arc, with blooms that feel plush to the eye and lend a lush, sculptural presence to beds and borders. Ideal for spectacular cut-flower displays and long-lasting arrangements, this variety’s dramatic flowering habit makes it a standout choice for anyone seeking high-impact color all season long.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 40°F before moving outdoors.

Expert Note

Plant tubers after soil warms and nights are reliably mild, then water consistently early and reduce feeding once flowering begins.