Don’t Stop Now: Why Cutting Dahlias Means More Blooms
- Debra Flaming
- Aug 23
- 2 min read
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.
Why Cutting Promotes More Blooms
Every time you snip a dahlia stem, the plant responds by branching out and producing more buds. Think of it as a gentle encouragement to keep going. Left untouched, a plant will eventually slow down, putting all its energy into a handful of blooms that fade too quickly. But with regular cutting, you’ll extend the season and multiply the flowers.
Harvesting the Right Way
When cutting dahlias for bouquets, reach deep into the plant and cut long stems—not just the tops. This not only gives you elegant stems for arranging, but it also encourages new growth to sprout lower on the plant. Don’t worry if you feel like you’re being “too bold”—your dahlias thrive on it.
A simple trick: cut when the petals are open and the back of the flower feels firm, but not stiff. This gives you the longest vase life.
More Blooms, More Beauty
By keeping the garden harvested, you’re not just creating fresh bouquets—you’re keeping the plant in bloom mode all season long. That means armfuls of flowers for your kitchen table, gifts for friends, and arrangements that celebrate the beauty of late summer and fall.
Bouquet Tips
Mix and match: Dahlias play beautifully with zinnias, cosmos, and baby’s breath.
Go bold or pastel: Group by color for a striking look or blend soft shades for a romantic feel.
Change the water daily: Fresh, clean water = happy blooms.
Snip the stems: Recut stems every couple of days to help them keep drinking.
The Joy of Abundance
At Flaming Acres Dahlias, we love watching how generous these flowers can be. A single plant has the potential to give you dozens of blooms in a season—if you keep cutting. So don’t stop now! Harvest often, enjoy the bounty, and let your garden keep surprising you with beauty upon beauty.
Keep on Harvesting…
Debra Flaming
