Scientific Name: Dahlia

Height: Dahlias can reach a height of 1.8m for some varieties

Days to Maturity: Dahlias typically take 60 – 80 days depending on weather conditions

Plant Spacing: It is recommended to space dahlia plants 30-45cm (12-18 inches) apart from each other. This spacing allows the plants to have enough room for growth and proper air circulation.

Sun Preference: Dahlias thrive in full sun conditions. Ensure that they receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and flowering.

Plant Type: Dahlias are classified as annual plants, meaning they complete their life cycle within one growing season. However, with proper care and overwintering in suitable climates, dahlias can sometimes behave like perennials.

Appearance : Dahlias exhibit a stunning array of appearances, making them a popular choice for gardens, bouquets, and floral arrangements due to their beauty and variety.

Harvesting : when the blooms are three-quarters of the way open 

Vaselife: The vase life of dahlias typically ranges from 4 to 5 days, with some varieties capable of lasting up to around 10 days, especially if bought straight from the farm and no handling has been done. They do not need to be stored in the fridge, simply in a cooler room with airflow.

Special Features : Dahlias come in a vast array of shapes, sizes, and colours. With over 20,000 cultivars categorized based on size, flower pattern, and resemblance to other flowers like waterlilies and cactus blooms, there is a dahlia variety for every preference. Despite coming in almost every color imaginable, including white, red, yellow, and purple, there are no true blue dahlias. Breeders have attempted to create blue dahlias with near-blue variations but have not succeeded in producing a genuine blue bloom.

Design features: The different varieties give room for different uses. Large dinner plates of course steal the show and they wil be used as a focal flower. The ball varieties can be used as supporting flowers and the informal decorative and waterlily varieties can be used as focal flowers.  The pom poms can be used as filler or even floating depending on the other ingredients. Dahlias generally steak the show and are a dream to work with.