Choosing Dahlias: The Most Productive vs Wow-Factor Varieties

The most productive dahlia varieties vs the most beautiful dahlias to grow in the garden - Garden specimen plants - Unique dahlia varieties - dahlia tubers for sale online

February 24, 2024

I grow dozens of varieties of gorgeous dahlias every year on my 1-acre flower farm in Burt, NY. After growing dahlias on a large scale for the past 6 years, I’ve come to know and love different dahlia varieties for a variety reasons.

Some dahlias are incredibly productive and well-suited for growing on the flower farm where I need tons of blooms every week to use in wedding work and to sell to other local florists. They’re the workhorses of the dahlia patch that reliably chug out endless amounts of blooms for the whole season.

Meanwhile, some dahlias are incredibly unique and beautiful and I grow them for that reason, whether they are productive or not. Some of these β€œbeyond beautiful” varieties end up in my home gardens just for the enjoyment of having them in my yard β€” and I don’t cut and use them at all! I love these dahlias because they bring interest and beauty to my garden and to be honest, they just make my life more joyful. What other reason do I need to keep growing them than that?

If you’re considering buying dahlia tubers this year, here is my list of most productive dahlia varieties vs. the most unique, beautiful garden specimen dahlia varieties.

I hope these lists might help you make some great decisions about which dahlia varieties you want to grow this year!


the most productive dahlia varieties

These dahlia varieties produce tons of blooms over a long blooming period, and generally are also good tuber producers, too. The most productive varieties tend to be Decorative and Ball varieties. I also have a list of Favorite Dahlia Varieties for Weddings where some of these varieties overlap.

Diva Tuber
from $11.95
Sonic Bloom Tuber
from $11.95
Maarn Tuber
from $10.95
Linda's Baby Tuber
from $12.95

the most unique & beautiful dahlia varieties for growing in the garden

These are the dahlia varieties that will make your jaw drop and elevate your gardening experience. Some of these varieties also produce an abundance of blooms β€” particularly Peaches n Cream, Gitts Crazy and Omega!

Cafe Au Lait Tuber
from $14.95
Omega Tuber
from $14.95