Dahlias are the undisputed queens of late summer—spectacular flowers that bring any garden and bouquet to life with their wealth of colors, shapes, and sizes. From delicate pompons to enormous decorative specimens, dahlias embody the abundance of the season in all its glory.

Picking dahlias is pure joy. You wander between rows full of color, surrounded by flowers as large as dinner plates or as small and perfectly formed as miniature works of art. Every step brings new discoveries: a perfect red cactus bloom here, a soft purple ball there, all waiting to become part of your personal bouquet.

🌺 When Are Dahlias Ready for Picking?

Harvest dahlias when the flowers are:

  • Fully opened but still feel firm to the touch
  • Showing vibrant colors without brown edges
  • On sturdy stems that don’t bend under the weight
  • Picked early morning for the best vase life

The optimal time is between 7 and 10 AM when plants are still full of moisture from the morning dew.

✂️ How to Pick Dahlias Properly

For the most beautiful and longest-lasting dahlias:

  • Use sharp knife or pruning shears: Make a clean cut
  • Cut at an angle: Increase surface area for water uptake
  • Choose stems 30-40 cm long: For flexible arrangements
  • Place directly in lukewarm water: Prevent stems from drying out
  • Cut underwater: Avoid air bubbles in the stem

A perfect dahlia feels firm and has petals that haven’t begun to curl at the edges.

💧 Caring for Dahlias After Picking

Fresh dahlias stay beautiful for 5-8 days:

  • Trim stems 2 cm daily under running water
  • Use flower food in clean, lukewarm water
  • Place out of direct sunlight but in good light
  • Remove wilted flowers to help others last longer
  • Conditioning: Let them acclimatize overnight in a cool room

For extra longevity, you can briefly dip stem ends in boiling water before placing in the vase.

🎨 Creating Dahlia Arrangements

Classic Round Bouquet:

  • Start with large dahlias as the foundation
  • Fill in with medium-sized blooms
  • Surround with smaller specimens
  • Add foliage for contrast and fullness

Modern Asymmetrical:

  • Choose odd numbers (3, 5, 7)
  • Vary heights for dynamism
  • Combine different colors from the same tone range
  • Use branching or spray dahlias for texture

🍽️ Dahlias in the Kitchen

Edible Petals:

  • Young petals have a slightly bitter taste
  • Perfect as colorful garnish on salads
  • Frozen in ice cubes for cocktails
  • Dried for teas or seasonings

Dahlia Spritz Recipe:

  • 60ml prosecco
  • 30ml Aperol
  • Splash of tonic water
  • Ice cubes
  • Garnish with fresh dahlia petals

🌈 Dahlia Varieties to Discover

  • Decorative Dahlias: Large, full flowers perfect for statement arrangements
  • Cactus Dahlias: Pointed petals give texture and movement
  • Ball Dahlias: Perfect round shape, compact and symmetrical
  • Pompon Dahlias: Small spheres, ideal for delicate bouquets
  • Single Dahlias: Open centers, beloved by bees and butterflies

🧭 Where to Pick Dahlias This Week

Dahlias are more than just flowers—they’re small works of art that extend summer well into autumn. Their endless variation in form and color makes every picking session an adventure full of discoveries. Whether you choose a single spectacular dahlia in a simple vase or a lavish bouquet full of different varieties, these flowers instantly bring joy and color into your home.