Dahlias bloom in an almost bewildering range of forms — from tight, perfectly geometric pompons to dinner-plate-sized blooms a foot across — all from the same easy-to-grow tuber.
Native to Mexico and Central America, dahlias were adopted so enthusiastically by breeders that thousands of named cultivars now exist, making them a favorite for competitive growers and cut-flower gardens alike.
Dahlia symbolizes inner strength, elegance, and a commitment that lasts, making it a popular choice for anniversaries and expressions of standing togetherness.
Dahlias want full sun and rich, well-draining soil, with taller varieties needing a stake early on to support their heavy blooms. In colder climates, tubers should be lifted after the first frost and stored indoors over winter, then replanted once the soil warms in spring.
Dahlia tubers were once cultivated as a food source by the Aztecs, though they're rarely eaten today and are grown almost exclusively for their ornamental blooms.
