You’re probably super stoked to see that your dahlias are starting to flower. It’s an exciting time, but you might be wondering, “When is the best time to harvest, and how should I do it?”
Before you start snipping away, it’s important to know when your dahlias are at their peak. Here’s how to tell if they’re ready for harvest:
Bloom Condition: Look for blooms that are at least ¾ open and vibrant. Dahlia’s don’t open much after harvesting…
Avoid cutting flowers that are just starting to open or those that are past their prime. Look at the back side of the bloom if the backside of the bloom is brown or wilty the bloom is most likely past its prime. You can still harvest it - just know it may not last more than a day or two in the vase. A Dahlia harvested at the perfect stage should have at least a 5 day vase life.
Now that you’ve selected your bloom that’s ready to harvest…
Here’s the best way to do it:
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Make Deep Cuts: For the best results, cut your dahlias 14”-18” below the bloom, just above a leaf node. This deep cutting is crucial for encouraging new growth. It tells the plant to produce more side-shoots and tubers, leading to stronger, more beautiful blooms. By stimulating fresh, new growth, you’ll enjoy healthier plants and a vibrant garden all season long.
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Use Sharp Tools: Always use clean, sharp snips to make a clean cut. This helps prevent damage to the plant and ensures a better result. Need high quality sharp floral snips - click here for the ones we use
- Regular Harvesting: Regularly cutting your dahlias encourages the plant to keep producing new flowers, ensuring a continuous display of blooms. Don’t forget to deadhead spent blooms too.
Happy harvesting, and here’s to a garden full of stunning dahlias!