There’s something magical about having a flower garden. It’s more than just color and beauty—it's a sanctuary. A place where time slows down, your hands get dirty, and your heart finds peace. Whether you're admiring blooms in the height of summer or simply tending the soil in early spring, a garden invites you to be present.


And if you're planting a garden—you need dahlias.

Dahlias are great for late summer and fall weddings! We used Linda's Baby, Salmon Runner, Peaches N Cream and Cornel Bronze for this wedding.

Dahlias: The Showstoppers Your Garden Deserves

Dahlias bring something extraordinary to the garden. Their wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors makes them feel like they belong in a fairytale. You can grow them in flower beds or pots, but honestly, it doesn't matter where—as long as you grow them.

The dahlias I grow are a bit different than what you’ll typically find at your local garden center. Most commercial varieties are bred for bedding plants—they’re compact, neat, and pretty, but not exactly jaw-dropping. If you're looking for those big, lush, picture-perfect blooms that stop people in their tracks, you'll want to get your tubers from a dahlia grower.

The Secret Is in the Tubers

Yes, you can buy a bag of dahlia tubers from a big-box store—but most of those are "pot tubers" grown in bulk in Holland, then shipped overseas. They’ll grow, but in my experience, they don't quite match the quality and beauty of those grown with intention here in the U.S.

For best results, look for single dahlia tubers from American growers, especially those who specialize in cut flowers. These tend to be stronger plants with larger, longer-lasting blooms and sturdier stems—ideal whether you're growing for your own enjoyment or for floral design.

They’re Not As Fussy As You Think

Dahlias have a bit of a reputation for being high-maintenance, but once you get the hang of it, they’re surprisingly generous. Plant them after the danger of frost has passed, give them sun and well-drained soil, and you're halfway there.

The key is learning how to store tubers over winter, especially if you live in a colder climate. It might seem intimidating at first, but trust me—it’s totally doable. And once you’ve got a rhythm, your dahlias will reward you with armloads of blooms every year from August through your first frost. Here in Northern Indiana, that means blooming beauty until mid-October.


If you’ve ever tried to choose dahlia varieties, you know: it’s overwhelming. With hundreds (yes, hundreds) of options, where do you start?

As a floral designer, I’ve grown more than my share of varieties over the last 14 years—testing for color, vase life, stem strength, and overall impact. I look for dahlias that not only make a statement in the garden but also hold up well in arrangements, especially for weddings and special events.

There are a handful of varieties I return to year after year. They’re reliable, beautiful, and always in demand.

My Tried-and-True Favorites

If you're new to dahlias—or even if you're not—these are the varieties I recommend starting with. They’re garden stars and florist favorites alike:

  • Miss Amara – A peachy-yellow powerhouse that pumps out loads of happy blooms on tall, sturdy stems—florist-approved and farm favorite!
  • Rock Run Ashley – A dreamy swirl of peach and pink with perfectly shaped blooms—she’s elegant, reliable, and always turns heads.
  • Cornel Bronze – A rich, rusty-orange ball dahlia with serious staying power—tough stems and blooms that last for days in a vase.
  • Blizzard – Bright white, bold, and beautiful. This is a wedding florist must have.
  • Sweet Nathalie – Soft blush petals and romantic vibes for days—she’s the sweetheart of any arrangement.


Final Thoughts: Grow What Brings You Joy

Whether you're designing for clients or simply soaking in the joy of a garden all your own, dahlias are worth the effort. They ask for a bit of care, sure—but they give back tenfold in beauty, abundance, and pure joy.

So if you’ve ever thought about growing dahlias, let this be your sign: start now. Find a sunny spot, dig in, and grow something stunning. Whether it's a single pot on your porch or a full bed in your backyard, your garden—and your spirit—will thank you.