Dahlias are perfectly suited for our Utah climate!
If you want a cut flower garden but don’t know where to start, it’s time to discover the dahlia. Dahlias are easy to grow, and their burst of color will fill your backyard all season long, making it the perfect plant pay-off!
President of the Utah Flower Market and Owner of Maple Bloom Flower Farm, Julie Hall, shared her tips for growing and cultivating dahlias.
Why Grow Dahlias in Utah
- Dahlias come in a range of colors, shapes, and are prolific as cut flowers.
- Dahlias are so generous! They keep blooming from July – October if you cut them and in the fall you can dig up the plant and get 3-7 new plants for the next year.
- They are native to Mexico, but can be grown well in Utah if you know when to plant and how to care for them.
Dahlia Growing Basics
- Start with good Tubers! They are a lot like potatoes.
- Buy local: tubers are climatized, higher quality and carefully harvested and packaged
- Tips: Look for plump, firm tubers with visible ‘eyes’—that’s where the growth begins.
Timing & Climate
- Plant in late April or Early May for Utah and Salt Lake County, Late May for higher elevations
- As plants start to grow, they can be damaged and delayed by frost
Planting & Spacing
- Plant tubers horizontally, eyes up, 4–6” deep.
- Give them room—about 12-18” apart
Care
- Full sun, good drainage, and consistent watering once sprouted.
- Stake early—these beauties can get tall and flop over in the wind.
- Pinch after about 12” tall for bushier plants and more bloom
To learn more from Julie, you can attend her Dahlia workshop: Saturday, April 12, 10-11:30 at The Alpine Workshop, Alpine, UT.
You can also follow her at @maplebloomflowerfarm on Instagram.
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