Dahlias are the fall season’s most stunning showstoppers. They can make any flower garden or floral arrangement extraordinarily beautiful with dazzling colors and delicate texture. But let’s not forget about how big and showy dahlias can be, because wowza, these floral divas can be ginormous. We're talking dinner plate-sized blooms literally! It’s like Mother Nature decided to have a floral fashion show and said, “Let's go big or go home!” In this article, we delve deeper into the most frequently asked questions about some of the biggest and most beautiful autumn flowers: dahlias.
Are giant dahlias real?
Yes, giant dahlias are real! When we’re talking about giant dahlias, it’s always dinnerplate dahlias— the name says a lot! Dinnerplate dahlias are significantly larger than most other flowers. While the exact size can vary depending on the specific variety and growing conditions, they typically have blooms ranging from 8 to 12 inches (20-30 cm) in diameter. This makes them one of the largest flower types. To put it into perspective, a dinnerplate dahlia bloom could be about the size of a small dinner plate or a Frisbee. Here are some excellent examples of remarkably large and sought-after dinnerplate dahlia varieties with blooms more than 10 inches!
- Dahlia “Emory Paul”
- Dahlia “Penhill Watermelon”
- Dahlia “Belle of Barmera”
- Dahlia “Kevin Floodlight”
- Dahlia “Cafe Au Lait”
- Dahlia “Labyrinth”
- Dahlia “Bodacious”
- Dahlia “Avignon”
- Dahlia “Omega”
What is the biggest dahlia flower?
Close-up shot of a blooming dahlia "Emory Paul"
Dahlias are wild! Imagine a flower so large it could be a centerpiece for your table! “Emory Paul” is the largest dinnerplate dahlia variety. It comes with the prettiest pink blooms that work fabulously in cut floral arrangements because of their sturdiness. In 2022, Iris Wallace from Santa Cruz won The Largest Dahlia in the World Contest by the American Dahlia Society. The award-winning flower is a “Maki” dahlia cultivar variety boasting an impressive 14 5/8″ bloom (as big as a throw pillow!) with delicious cream, pink, and hints of raspberry hues.
What are the tallest dahlias?
Dahlia imperialis, also known as the Tree Dahlia, holds the title of the tallest dahlia. These magnificent plants can soar to impressive heights of up to 20 feet! It's important to note that while they are called "tree dahlias," they aren't actually trees but herbaceous perennials native to high elevations in Mexico and Central America. Nevertheless, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, the tallest dahlia ever grown reached an astonishing 25 feet 7 inches by R. Blythe of Nannup, Western Australia!
How long do dinnerplate dahlias take to grow?
Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to growing dinnerplate dahlias. These floral giants aren't exactly overnight sensations. From planting the tuber to admiring that massive bloom, you're looking at about 12 to 16 weeks. Keep in mind, this can vary a bit depending on your climate and growing conditions.
How long do dinnerplate dahlias take to flower?
Dinnerplate dahlias typically take about 8 to 10 weeks to start blooming after planting the tuber. But don't be discouraged if it takes a little longer! Every dahlia has its own personality, and some might be a bit slower to show off their fabulous blooms. Remember, good things come to those who wait, and in this case, the wait is oh so worth it!
Pink fimbriata dinnerplate dahlias
Why are my dinnerplate dahlias not blooming?
There could be a few reasons your dinnerplate dahlias aren't putting on a show. Here are some contributing factors.
- Lack of Sunlight- Dahlias are sun-lovers. They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive and bloom.
- Insufficient Water- While they love water, too much can lead to rot. Aim for consistent, deep watering, but avoid soggy soil.
- Overfertilization- Too much nitrogen can lead to lush foliage but fewer blooms. Opt for a balanced fertilizer or one with a higher phosphorus content.
- Incorrect Planting Depth- Dahlias should be planted with the eyes (growth points) just below the soil surface.
- Pests and Diseases- These can hinder growth and prevent blooming. Check for signs of aphids, slugs, or powdery mildew.
- Climate and Weather- Extreme heat or cold can affect bloom production.
How long do dinnerplate dahlias last as cut flowers?
Dinnerplate dahlias typically bloom for 8 to 10 weeks during the summer. This blooming period usually starts in mid-July and continues until the first fall frost. Unfortunately, these jumbo types of dahlias have a relatively short vase life, because their large, delicate petals are prone to wilting quickly. While most ball dahlia floral arrangements can last up to 7 days, the bigger flowerheads only last 3 to 4 days.
How to make dahlia flower arrangements last longer?
You can find many flower hacks online but one simple but proven way to make any store-bought floral arrangement last longer would be to snip the ends of the stems and replace the vase water every day to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. You can also ask your florist for liquid flower food that you can add to the vase water or spray on floral foam to enjoy them much longer.
Dahlia Flower Delivery in LA and OC
With Orchid Republic Floral Boutique, expect nothing but this season’s finest dahlia floral arrangements and a seamless flower shopping experience. Visit our local flower shops in Sherman Oaks and Santa Monica. Or shop online and enjoy your dahlias with our convenient same-day flower delivery service in Los Angeles and Orange County.
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