Best Dahlias for Cut Flowers

If you have been following along on my Instagram this summer, you have maybe seen a glimpse into my cut flower garden I put in this year on the farm. This winter I started so many different seeds. Zinnias, snapdragons, celosia, globe amaranth, strawflowers, and cosmos. Even though I love all those beauties, the stars of the show have been the dahlia tubers I purchased this spring after becoming engrossed in Floret Farm’s Discovering Dahlias book. After a summer of growing these stunners I thought I would share my review of the Best Dahlias for Cut Flowers.

Best Dahlias for Cut Flowers- “Diva”

“Diva” earns her position at the top of my list for a couple of reasons. Number one being she is incredibly long lasting in the vase! Long past the time that all the other dahlias in a bouquet are beginning to fade. “Diva” is still going strong.

The second reason is the color is heartbreakingly beautiful. The most stunning shade of deep purple that you will ever see. The petals appear as if made from velvet.

Best Dahlias for Cut Flowers- “Cornel Bronze”

“Cornel Bronze” has been by far the most productive dahlia I planted this year, turning out gorgeous blooms all growing season.

Extremely long lasting in the vase they are perfect for fall bouquets.

Best Dahlias for Cut Flowers- “Café Au Lait”

“Café au Lait” is wildly popular for wedding and event work and it is easy to see why. Fluffy petals of creamy champagne coloring with some blooms taking on more of a blush pink or light lavender look. It’s one downfall, dropping it down my list, is its short vase life.

Best Dahlias for Cut Flowers- “Ice Tea”

These raspberry-peach colored blooms make “Ice Tea” such a stunner not only in a vase, but also in the garden. The end of each petal has a small “snip” in the center, giving this beauty a little something extra.

“Ice Tea” easily pairs with almost any other color of flower from the garden.

Best Dahlias for Cut Flowers- “Cornel”

“Cornel” like its cousin “Cornel Bronze” is one of my favorites. Deep red color graces this gorgeous flower. Another dahlia that is extremely long lasting in the vase.

Best Dahlias for Cut Flowers- September Morn

“September Morn” is such a wildcat when it comes to coloring. It really has so many shades based on what the weather is at the moment the bud starts to open. Color ranges from raspberry, to gold, to peach. Another stunning dahlia that pairs so well with many other flowers from the garden.

Best Dahlias for Cut Flowers- “Ginger Willo”

This small, but mighty pompon variety, “Ginger Willo” is such a fun addition to the garden. Colors vary from a creamy yellow to burnt orange and pair well with so many other flowers. Very productive plants with long, thin stems. Wonderful inclusion to any bouquet.

Best Dahlias for Cut Flower- Honorable Mentions

“Tempest”

This is another one of those dahlias that is a bit of a chameleon. Ranging in colors from coral to raspberry and sometimes with a hint of lavender.

“Ivanetti”

“Ivanetti” is a deep berry-hued ball variety dahlia. Gorgeous flowers on wonderful, long stems. Pairs well with my number one pick- “Diva”.

“Crazy Legs”

“Crazy Legs” is the sole stellar variety dahlia I planted this year. I loved how its color has changed throughout the season. I called it my “mullet flower”. Golden honey hues on top and a rich berry color on the back. Another great addition to pair with in bouquets.

“Frank Holmes”

Another darling pompon variety that is an excellent addition to bouquets. Blooms are a beautiful lilac color.

Best Dahlias for Cut Flowers

I already can’t wait to see what new varieties of dahlias I discover next year.

If you are ready to dig into the world of dahlias as well, the two greatest resource I have leaned heavily on are Floret Farms- Erin Benzakein and Swan Island Dahlias.

As always, I’m also more than happy to share any real life experience I have gained this summer in planting, growing, caring, and cutting this wonderful flower variety.