General Facts

• Native to Mexico & Central America – Dahlias originally come from the highlands of Mexico and Central America, where they’ve been cultivated for centuries.

• Part of the Aster Family – They’re in the same botanical family as sunflowers, daisies, and chrysanthemums.

• Over 42 Recognized Species – But thousands of cultivars exist, offering nearly endless variety in color, shape, and size.

Flower Characteristics

• Come in Every Color Except Blue – You’ll find dahlias in nearly every hue… except a true blue. Breeders have tried, but it’s incredibly difficult.

• Huge Variety in Size – From 2-inch “pom-poms” to dinner-plate dahlias that can grow to 12 inches across!

• Petal Perfection – They can be single, double, cactus-shaped, ball-shaped, or even look like peonies. So much variety!

Growing Info

• Grow from Tubers, Not Bulbs – These underground tubers store nutrients and allow dahlias to grow back each year (in warm climates).

• Cold Sensitive – They don’t like frost, so in colder climates, people dig up and store the tubers over winter.

• Bloom Late – Dahlias bloom from mid-summer into fall, often when many other plants are fading.

Cultural & Historical Tidbits

• Aztecs Used Them Medicinally – Indigenous people in Mexico used them for food and medicine.

• Symbolism – Dahlias symbolize elegance, creativity, and inner strength. They’re often seen as a flower of standing strong in your values.

• National Flower of Mexico – Officially declared in 1963.