Choosing Dahlias: The Most Productive vs Wow-Factor Varieties
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 “beyond beautiful” varieties end up in my home gardens just for the enjoyment of having them in my yard — 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.
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 — particularly Peaches n Cream, Gitts Crazy and Omega!
for more help growing dahlias, read on…
How to Plant Dahlia Tubers & Maintain Dahlias Organically / may 2021
When to Dig Dahlia Tubers / nov 2021
When to Split Dahlia Tubers - Now or Later? / nov 2023
The #1 Mistake Not to Make When Splitting Dahlia Tubers / nov 2023
Are Dahlias Hard to Grow? / feb 2024
Storing Dahlia Tubers in Wood Pine Shavings / feb 2022
How to Deal with Crown Gall or Leafy Gall on Dahlias / nov 2022
Will Deer Eat My Field of Dahlias? / nov 2022
How to Store Dahlias Over Winter & Get Rid of Mold / apr 2020
I Skipped Drip Irrigation on the Dahlias; Here’s What Happened / nov 2022
Our Favorite Dahlias for Wedding Designs / dec 2023
Dahlia Tubers for Sale in 2023: Preview / dec 2022