All About Dahlias


About Dahlias

  • Dahlias are lush, vibrant flowers known for their intricate petal patterns and wide variety of shapes and sizes. Blooming in nearly every color except true blue, dahlias are admired for their bold appearance and dramatic flair.
  • Native to Mexico and Central America, dahlias symbolize creativity, strength, and grace under pressure.
  • With types like pompon, cactus, ball, decorative, and dinner-plate dahlias, these flowers offer a stunning range of textures and forms for arrangements.

Processing & Storage

  • Start with clean, sanitized buckets (use FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner).
  • Carefully remove any sleeves or packaging and check blooms for bruising or damage.
  • Flowers should be fully open; Do not use flowers that have been stored for a long period of time (more than 5 days); watch for botrytis and insect damage to flowers and foliage.
  • If you receive dry-packed, we recommend conditioning of stem ends to prevent blockage and promote solution uptake. Cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
  • Place flowers in a flower food solution such as FloraLife® Express 300 per manufacturer’s directions. Do not put flowers directly in metal/galvanized buckets. Use clean, high-quality water that has not been treated with a water softener as the salt levels can be damaging to flowers.
  • Store in a cooler at 34 - 38° F (1-3° C) with a relative humidity of 75-85%.
  • Allow a minimum of 2 hours to hydrate by placing buckets in an area with good airflow.
  • Always remember FIFO (first in/first out) when rotating flowers.

Arrangement Preparation

Finish

Customer Care/Tips & Tricks

 

  • Avoid crowding stems in buckets to prevent flower shattering or bruising.
  • For larger varieties like dinner-plate Dahlias, use floral tape or a vase grid for extra support and positioning.
  • Monitor cooler humidity (75–85%) to prevent dehydration and foliage browning.
  • Watch for botrytis—maintain proper airflow and cooler temperatures to avoid fungal growth.
  • Never store or display fresh-cut flowers near ripening produce, direct sunlight, extreme heat, cold, or drafts.
  • Your best insurance policy? Send customers home with a FloraLife® Express Flower Food packet. Advise customers to repeat care and handing steps on the packet every 3 days or as needed for maximum enjoyment.