Dahlia Tips

I had spent hours reading conflicting recommendations online—some growers said to add water, others warned against it, and no one seemed to agree on how much was enough. Jim’s answer was both simple and precise: “Add only enough water so it doesn’t clump, just feels moist.” He reminded us that in our dry Idaho climate, a little moisture helps prevent shriveling, but too much can lead to rot. His final bit of advice—check the tubers two or three times through the winter...

If you’ve ever wondered how a dahlia farm in the heart of Idaho keeps all its wheels turning, you’ll enjoy this little behind-the-scenes tour with Dion. I made a video recently where he narrated some of the projects and equipment that keep Flaming Acres humming along, and today I thought I’d share the highlights with you.

As we move deeper into September, dahlias are still giving us their best — but they also need a little extra attention this time of year. Cooler nights, shorter days, and the hint of fall in the air signal a shift in how we care for them. Here are a few ways to keep your dahlias happy and blooming strong as the season winds down:

Dahlias are the bridge between summer and fall—bursting in full color just as the garden begins to quiet. Where sunflowers, cosmos, and zinnias are fading, dahlias keep the party alive. Their fiery hues blend seamlessly with pumpkins on the porch, the glow of turning leaves, and the warmth of autumn light.

I love this project not only for the beauty it captures but also for the heart behind it. It’s another way of extending the life of our gardens, savoring the glory of dahlias beyond their season, and crafting heirlooms that remind us of sunshine and joy when winter comes.

Last fall, we tucked away hundreds of tiny treasures—dahlia seeds harvested from our 2024 fields, each one a mystery waiting to bloom. Unlike tubers, which clone their mother plant, seeds are full of surprises. Every petal, every hue, every form is a brand-new creation, a one-of-a-kind story written by the bees who carried pollen between our 300+ varieties. Now, as September arrives, our seedling patch has truly come alive. The diversity is breathtaking...

Every dahlia you admire—whether in our fields at Flaming Acres or in a vase brightening your kitchen—begins the same way: with a humble tuber. A dahlia tuber is a potato-like root full of stored energy and promise. When planted in spring, it wakes up, pushes out green shoots, and eventually bursts into the dazzling flowers that steal the show all summer and fall. But here’s the thing—not all tubers are created equal. That’s why we put so much care into growing, inspecting, an

Most gardeners think of dahlias as tuber treasures—but tucked inside their fading blooms lies another kind of gold: seeds. Harvesting dahlia seeds isn’t just a thrifty way to grow more flowers, it’s an adventure in discovery. Each seed carries unique genetics, meaning no two plants will bloom exactly alike. That’s how brand-new varieties are born!

There’s nothing quite like stepping into the garden and seeing a sea of colorful dahlias smiling back at you. But here’s a little secret: if you want your plants to keep pumping out those gorgeous blooms, you can’t just admire them on the stem—you’ve got to cut them. That’s right—the more you cut your dahlias, the more they’ll reward you.

Late August heat can be tough on dahlias, but with a little extra care, these beauties can thrive through the hottest days of summer. Whether you’re growing them in the ground or experimenting with pots on your patio, knowing how to protect your dahlias from stress makes all the difference.

Dahlias may be the stars of the summer garden, but even the brightest stars shine more brilliantly when surrounded by friends. That’s where companion flowers come in. These carefully chosen plants don’t just fill space — they bring fragrance, texture, pollinator power, and garden balance that elevate your dahlias to a whole new level.

In the fall of 2024, after a full season of growing over 300 different dahlia varieties, we carefully harvested seeds from our fields —...

Dahlias are famous for their big, beautiful blooms—but that doesn’t mean your garden has to be high-maintenance to enjoy them.

Introducing the Fall Giants Collection from Flaming Acres Dahlias At Flaming Acres, fall is our favorite kind of finale. When the air...

Designing your cut flower garden doesn’t have to be overwhelming—let it be playful, purposeful, and packed with personality!

Every dahlia has a mood. A vibe. A story. At Flaming Acres, we can’t help but imagine our dahlias as a cast of unforgettable characters.