When to Cut Dahlias
Finding the perfect bloom doesn’t have to be a mystery! You’ve got your vase with fresh water, and you’ve got your favorite pair of snippers… Now what?!
I’ve laid out the Stages of Dahlia Blooms so you can learn to identify which dahlias are perfect for cutting, which need more time, and which need to be snipped and tossed into the compost!
When Do I Cut My Dahlias?
Make sure you cut your flowers at the perfect time, every time!
Dahlias are a bit different than most flowers, when it comes to timing!
Often, flowers last longest if we cut them before they’re open (like ranunculus, tulips, sunflowers, and more!)
Sometimes, flowers really want you to wait until they are more mature (like zinnias and yarrow)
But Dahlias… well, they kind of want you to just know when it’s the right time.
I know: not a clear answer, right?
Hopefully by looking at a few examples, it will become more clear!
Let’s take a look at some pictures and decide if it’s a good time to cut
The Bud Stage
The petals are beginning to show, but the flower has not begun opening yet.
Do Not Cut! The bloom will not mature fully if you cut it this early.
First Sets of Petals have lifted off the bud
Although this beauty is beginning to show you it’s beauty, Do Not Cut! Cutting when there are still so many petals developing will stop this bloom from reaching it’s full potential!
The Back Petals of the flower are still flat
The back of the flower will tell you a lot about where it’s at in it’s development. If the petals are flat (not curled back at all) it is still not mature enough for cutting. A flower cut now will last well in the vase, but it will not be as robust as it could have been, if you waited just one more day!
The Center is closed, and the back petals are curling back
Ok, it’s finally time!! YES, Cut This Bloom! Flowers cut with a closed center and the back petals curling backward will have the optimal combination of the longest vase life and large bloom development.
Back Petals are Completely Curled Around
This is just a day or so past it’s “prime,” but it’s still going to be an absolutely gorgeous bloom! Yes, Cut this Bloom! But just know that it may fade a day or so earlier than one cut when the petals weren’t quite as curled.
The back petals have begun to brown
When the petals begin to brown, the dahlia is a bit past it’s prime, and those back petals will begin to fall off the bloom. At this point, you do want to cut the flower to encourage new growth on the plant, however, it won’t last as well in the vase. I often pull all of those faded petals off of the back of the bloom and keep it for myself.
The petals are gone, now what?
Want the plant to make more flowers? Cut this pod!!
At this stage, if you want to save dahlia seeds, let this pod continue to develop and mature for a few weeks prior to cutting it for seed-saving. More details to come in my next blog post!
Moral of the story is: if you want lots of flowers, CUT YOUR FLOWERS. Don’t let them fade away on the plant.
I know, I know. It’s hard to send those blooms into the compost pile. But believe me: you’re doing the right thing! Unless you’re planning to save dahlia seeds, you’ll want to cut those blooms to encourage MORE blooms!
Was this helpful? Are you feeling ready to cut the most perfect flowers? Come visit our U Pick flower field before the frost takes these beauties away for the season!
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