The bold Dahlia

By Jessica Esteves

Dahlias: A snapshot in history

Native to Mexico, the Dahlia is listed as the country’s national flower for reasons more than just its beauty.

The ancient Aztecs cultivated Dahlias for food, decorative purposes and even used Dahlias as a treatment for epilepsy. In later years, specialists turned to its healing compounds for other medical reasons. Before insulin was discovered, diabetics were given a substance called ‘Atlantic starch’ or ‘diabetic sugar’, which was made from Dahlia tubers!

The powerful Dahlia eventually graced its presence in Europe in 1789 through Vincent Cervantes, superintendent of the Botanical Gardens of Mexico.

It may now be considered a typical garden flower in Europe, but its exotic roots remain deep in generosity. The dahlia is considered to be one of the most generous flowers as there are literally hundreds of varieties.

o Colours: pink, purple, red, orange, yellow and white.

o Shapes: anemone flowered, ball, cactus, collarette, decorative, miscellaneous, pompom, semi-cactus, single-flowered and waterlily.

Dahlias today

Dahlias are high on the agenda for all types of floral arrangements today – from a vase in the home to more elaborate arrangements. They remain popular for autumn weddings, office designs, wreath and funeral designs and large displays such as a church or reception venue.

They may not be suited for particular venues such as a hospital as they cannot cope with the extremes of either air conditioning or heating.

Dahlias are a favourite choice as they are bold, bright, cheerful and do not have a fragrance for those who may be sensitive to scents.

In the modern world where diversity is embraced, we can look to the humble Dahlia to learn a thing or to about generosity, boldness and cheerfulness to any and all situations. If any flower can give you inspiration, it is the Dahlia.

Notes for the florist

Growing Dahlias

Dahlia is best planted in well-drained soil that is conditioned deeply with fertiliser or sand. Place stakes near where Dahlias are planted as they need support. Dahlias need a sunny position. They are a hungry and thirsty plant, and produce best flowers when given a high-potash feed.

Buying Dahlias

Commercially-grown Dahlia stems are sometimes scalded or burned by the grower to force out air blockages (or “embolisms”) in the stem. When recutting the flowers at home, look for a scald line on the stem and cut below it. If the flowers flag, then this means the embolism has travelled further up the stem, and you may need to recut the stems again, above the scald line. If this is necessary, you will need to re-scald or sear the stem ends with a naked flame. Always ensure safety guidelines during this process.
Buy when the flowers are three-quarters open but the flower centre should be very tight. Tight buds may not open at all. Foliage should be firm and green, with no sign of wilting or yellowing.
Dahlias stems are hollow so remember to cut the flower at an angle under water to avoid creating an airblock.
Dahlia’s have a vase life between 5 – 7 days and will need its water changed every second day as Dahlias are water polluters. Keep the flowers in cool water and add flower food.
Make sure the stems have plenty of room in the vase. If the leaves fall into the vase and the stems do not have enough air circulating around them, the dead leaves will rot and infect the stems!
Do not place cut Dahlias in direct sunlight – the ideal temperature range is 2 – 8 degrees celcius.

Final tips:

Always handle Dahlias with care as the heads are easily bruised. If you are using Dahlias for an arrangement you will likely need to support the heads with wire.
We’re not the only fans of Dahlias – its curled petals are attractive to insects, so shake the flowers out gently in case you have a few other flower friends!
Dahlias best companions are Hypericum, Kniphofia, Amaranthus or grasses.