Dahlia’s stunning hues never fail to bring life and style to every room, which is why it’s my favorite flower. It makes any flower bouquet I get from my favorite florists an arrangement full of meaning and affection.
Aside from being a thoughtful gift, the dahlia is full of uses and benefits that can help you in surprising ways. Ranging from cooking to landscaping needs, I gathered the uses, meaning, and other good-to-know information about this symbolic flower.
How did the dahlia flower get its name?
While the dahlia was originally discovered by Francisco Hernandez in 1570, the dahlia was named after the Swedish botanist, Anders Dahl.
He was an associate botany professor at the Åbo Akademi, a Finnish university, and a passionate plant collector.
Even as a child, he took an interest in plants, focusing mostly on cryptogamic plants. It was during his stay in Turku, just a few years before his death, that he made notable publications such as the Observationes botanicae circa systema vegetabilium divi a Linne Gottingae.
The Director of the Royal Gardens of Madrid, Antonio José Cavanilles, named the dahlia flower after him to honor him.
What are the botanical origins of the dahlia flower?
The dahlia is native to Mexico and Central America. It belongs to the herbaceous perennial Dahlia genus with 42 colorful species under it.
This beautiful bloom belongs to the Asteraceae family, and it’s a composite flower (more on this later) with a wide variety of shades.
While it looks like it’s a single flower, the dahlia is actually composed of a central disc (imagine small flowers, florets, bunched together) and surrounded by ray florets (usually mistaken as petals).
Dahlias are also known to come in different varieties, some shaped in adorable pompons while others take up anemone shapes.
Do dahlia flowers require a lot of maintenance?
Dahlias don’t require a lot of maintenance and are easy to grow, but they do need special conditions to thrive. They require a cool area to thrive and during winter months, an area with high humidity is a must.
Like most plants, dahlias shouldn’t be overwatered and only need a bit until they’re 6” to 12” in height. While they grow, make sure you stake them so they won’t topple over.
Do dahlia flowers need shade or sun?
Yes, dahlias need at least 6 to 8 hours of full sunlight every day. They can thrive in shady areas but need a bit more TLC to do so.
If you live in hotter places, dahlias might not flower from too much heat. Pick a place that has shade in the afternoon.
When do dahlia flowers bloom?
Dahlia flowers start to bloom during midsummer until fall.
What kind of soil do dahlia flowers prefer?
Loose and moist soil is the perfect blend for your dahlias.
If you only have thick soil available, mix it well with some sand or peat. This allows the water to drain well when watered.
Dahlias don’t like mulch and avoid the gardening soil you find in hardware stores. These blooms don’t like them and it might hurt their tubers.
When is the best time to plant dahlia flower seeds?
Dahlia seeds will thrive when planted at least 3 to 4 weeks after spring frost.
What do dahlia flowers mean?
Dahlia is a beautiful way to show elegance, beauty, optimism, dignity, creativity, growth, and kindness. They also mean inner strength, as the plant itself shows resilience amid tough situations.
What are the uses of dahlia flowers?
While dahlias are known to be used in wedding bouquets and decor, these flowers have a variety of uses that range from food to medicine. The colorful florets are also used to dye fabrics for DIY projects.
Can dahlias be used in cooking?
Image idea: Dahlia tubers peeled on a chopping board and surrounded by dahlia flowers
Yes, you can definitely use the dahlia flowers and tubers for cooking! Dahlias are used in different dishes, ranging from kimchi to bread!
Did you know that dahlia flower tubers are edible? These tubers, while not as delicious with the skin on, can be incorporated into a lot of dishes. When fresh, they’re crispy and they taste a bit like celery. Adding seasoning to it and you have yourself a simple dahlia side dish!
The flower itself is also edible, which can be turned into syrup, salad, or even tea. You’ll be surprised by the many recipes available for dahlias. They’re low-calorie and rich in fiber. That’s a winning salad ingredient!
Can dahlia flowers be used for medicinal purposes?
Yes, nonpoisonous dahlias have components that contain anti-diabetic properties and in turn, positively affect insulin functions. This is according to this study spearheaded by professors of the University of Otago, New Zealand.
Their flower’s extract helps improve glucose levels and insulin tolerance which could help with Type 2 diabetes patients. The scientists found that the flavonoids in yellow dahlias reflect glucose-lowering effects.
How can dahlia flowers be used in gardening and landscaping?
Dahlias can be used in gardens and landscaping in many ways:
- Borders: I put dahlias as the borders for my garden, adding just the right amount of color to my green lawn. They come in a variety of colors and shapes, which makes them the perfect accent for my yard.
- Containers: If you want to add a few dahlias inside your home, these blooms can sit comfortably in pretty gardening pots. Just make sure you don’t mix clay in your soil and that the potting mix is loose.
- Hanging Baskets: Dahlias are great hanging plants, and their playful colors add some life to your front porch or room. The best dahlia variety for the job is the dwarf dahlia, a perfect size for hanging plants.
