Autumn is starting to make its presence felt, but the dahlias are still putting on their best show in the garden. They continue to bloom until the first frost arrives. Although the dahlia season will end in a few weeks, our work for the new dahlia collection has just begun. Since the varieties were shining in full glory in August, we traveled to the Netherlands a few weeks ago to assemble the new collection. Would you like to see the process?
How did we choose our collection?
Dahlias capture the imagination. They come in an incredible array of colors, sizes, and flower shapes: there's truly something for everyone. There are hundreds, if not thousands of varieties on the market. Offering them all isn't feasible or practical. We are happy to provide an Angelo selection: varieties we personally love, that bloom beautifully, and above all, perform well in a vase.
The search begins in the Netherlands. Our growers have various trial fields to showcase the varieties. This way, we can perfectly see how a dahlia variety blooms, the color of the leaves and stems, and whether it's sturdy. We pick the flowers and photograph each type. To ensure we can show the color and shape as accurately as possible on our website, the varieties are also briefly filmed.
Once we've made our selection, the varieties are ordered from the grower. Soon, the dahlias will be harvested, inspected, and sent to winter storage. In spring, they are lovingly packed and shipped to you, so you can enjoy all the dahlia splendor at home.
What types of dahlias are there?
Cactus dahlias. As the name suggests, these have sharper-ended petals. They may look a bit spiky, but their unique flower shape makes them excellent for bouquets.
Dinnerplate dahlias. These gigantic blooms often steal the show. Some even grow larger than your head, truly incredible. The downside? They can sometimes break under their own weight. Be sure to support them with a bamboo stake or let them grow upright in a net structure.
Ball dahlias. As you might guess, these dahlias are shaped like a ball. They don't have an open flower heart, with all the petals tightly packed together. These types are the easiest to use in bouquets due to their long lifespan and perfect size.
Open or single dahlias. These varieties have an open heart, making them perfect for pollinators. The only downside? They don't last as long in a vase. But don't let that deter you, as they truly bring life to your garden.
Waterlily Dahlias. These dahlias have elegant petals that end in a point, just like water lilies. They are a stunning addition to bouquets due to their special shape.
Collarette Dahlias. These varieties also have an open center but have large and small petals that enclose the heart. They often don't grow very large, making them perfect for planting in a pot.
Pompon Dahlias. These small powerhouses are a great addition to your collection. The small flowers, which do not grow larger than 5 to 6 centimeters, are ideal for use in bouquets. Their subtle presence makes them truly compatible with any other flower type.
Anemone Dahlias. The anemone dahlia has almost a fluffy center, but they are actually all tubular petals. They also have a broad edge of single petals around them.
The Trial Field
Next to the trial field where we can pick and photograph existing dahlia varieties, there is also a test field. Here, new varieties are tested. Do the dahlias grow well? Do they form tubers quickly? Are they susceptible to diseases? New varieties created by breeders are thoroughly tested here. After several years of careful propagation, the varieties can be sold.
Want to experiment with creating new varieties yourself? You can harvest seeds from the faded dahlias. Let the buds dry well on the plant and then let them dry a bit more indoors to prevent mold formation. Carefully remove the seeds from the flower bud and clean them. You can perfectly store seeds in a coffee filter or envelope. Paper breathes, preventing the seeds from molding.
Learn More with Our Videos
Did you know we also have a well-stocked YouTube channel? With over 450 videos, we have a vast database of information. Be sure to check out YouTube and subscribe to stay updated on the latest videos.
In this video, Angelo shares his best tips for picking dahlias. This way, you can enjoy your freshly picked flowers even longer.
Sowing Dahlias: Always a Surprise
When you buy dahlia tubers, you are, of course, 100% sure of the variety you have. But did you know you can also sow dahlias? The seeds germinate very quickly, so don't sow too early in the spring. It's best to sow them from mid-March to the end of April. Place the seeds on their side to reduce the risk of rotting. While a tuber offers certainty, sowing dahlias is always a surprise. You never know what color or flower shape will emerge. After one season, the plant will have formed a lovely tuber, which can be dug up and replanted the following year.
