This week I wanted to highlight one of our most favorite flowers this time of year. That would be the Dahlia! What makes a Dahlia our favorite flower? Many things!
One reason we love them so much is because of their wide range in colors, shapes, and sizes that make up the thousands of varieties that exist. On our farm we grow varieties like Small World and Rocco that have a flower head measuring just around an inch to varieties like Cafe Au Lait and Strawberry Ice that have flower heads measuring seven inches or more! The many intricate layers of petals of the pom pom Dahlias wrap all the way back to the stem while the anemone shaped Dahlias have one simple layer of petals with a textured middle. Not to mention the huge array of colors they come in. You almost won't believe it until you see it!
Another reason they are our favorite is for their work horse tendencies in the garden! Each season they send up many blooms that last for days in a vase. The more you cut them the more blooms they send up. Their season lasts from mid-summer all the way into fall. When the season is over you can dig up the plant and clean off the root system, called a tuber, divide it and store them over the winter for the next season to come. This way one plant multiplies each season to become many in a few short years. It's like a gift that keeps on giving!
Dahlias are also a favorite among floral designers because of the hardiness of their blooms and their long, strong stems. This makes them an amazing flower choice for bridal bouquets and table arrangements.
So, if you are looking for a great addition to your cutting garden, this is the flower for you! Already have Dahlias but don't want to cut those gorgeous blooms? Give us a call or email us to get your hands on some of these show stopping beauties!
Until next time, enjoy your week ahead!
Alison Maxwell
Lead Flower Farm Supervisor/Designer
AlisonM@sarahscottagecreations.com