Have you thought about growing dahlias this season?

My Journey from Dahlia Newbie to Garden Enthusiast

During the Covid lockdowns, I was searching for something to look forward to. Little did I know that my mum's simple offer of some divided dahlia tubers would lead me down a path that would change my garden – and my life – forever.

The Spark That Started It All

For years, I'd watched my mum grow dahlias without paying much attention. They were just another flower in her garden – until they became the stars of mine. When she offered me and Ross some divided tubers, I thought, "Well, they're free, and we've got the space. Why not?"

That's when the magic began.

Down the Dahlia Rabbit Hole

After planting Mum's tubers, I made what I now recognize as my first step into the "dahlia community" – I started browsing online. What I found was intoxicating:

• The legendary Café Au Lait, which everyone seemed to be talking about

• The poetically named Palomino Bracken

• The fiery Bushfire

• The sunset-in-bloom African Sunset

I discovered Facebook groups filled with dahlia enthusiasts and YouTube channels where growers shared their passion. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and before I knew it, I was completely hooked.

Discovering Dahlia Magic

The first season was pure discovery. Under Mum's guidance, I learned the art of pinching to encourage stronger plants. When those first buds appeared, I felt like a proud parent. By early summer, our flower patch had transformed into a paradise.

Here's what amazed me most: the more flowers I cut, the more they grew. Soon, I had more blooms than I knew what to do with – though I certainly enjoyed trying to find homes for them all!

The Multiplication Miracle

When autumn came and it was time to lift the tubers, I received my second surprise. That single Café Au Lait tuber I'd purchased had multiplied into a generous cluster. Talk about return on investment!

Sharing the Joy

Last year, we took a leap and launched our website to share these beautiful flowers with others. We check each tuber for eyes before listing them, ensuring that every one has the potential to bring the same joy to your garden that I've found in mine.

Ready to Start Your Own Dahlia Journey?

Melbourne Cup weekend is traditionally the perfect time to plant dahlia tubers – and that's this weekend! If you're feeling inspired to start your own dahlia adventure, I'd love to help you begin.

But I should warn you: growing dahlias is addictive! Once you experience the thrill of those first blooms and discover how generous these plants can be, you might just find yourself as happily obsessed as I am.

Shop Our Dahlia Tuber Collection

P.S. New to dahlias? Feel free to reach out with questions. After all, it wasn't so long ago that I was in your shoes, and I'd love to help you start your journey!