What are the longest flowering dahlias?

TheRainyGarden

I am thinking of planting some Dahlia with bearded iris, are they worth it? They are usually advertised as blooming from early summer to first frost, which is about 5-6 month (July - Dec/ Jan) here in Southewest. Are they really that long flowering? Also, what are your longest flowering variety? Thanks

Pete.8

Dahlias come from tropical regions when they bloom pretty much all year round.
They would do the same in the UK too, BUT we get get cold and frosts which kills off the top growth and if cold enough the tubers too.
So they'll all bloom for ages if the conditions are right - until the cold stops them.

Don't let the dahlias shade the iris rhizomes, they need to bake in the sun

B3

Same in London. I don't think any variety flowers for longer than another but some have more flowers than others. 

Fire

Yes, I think dahlias are very much worth it. I think 'early summer' (May?) might be pushing it if growing from scratch in your own garden. The foliage might start growing in April. in the UK. But yes, they go to the frosts. If you pick your flowers and dead head, feed and look after them, they will go and go non stop. If you pick single bloom types bees will love them as a rich source of food. They like to nap on the flower heads. Doubles don't offer food as the sexual aspects of the flower are converted to create extra petals. Protect the tubers and they will give you flowers for many years.

TheRainyGarden

Thanks all. Fire I remember you in my other posts. Thanks for sharing the bee saving tip as well. I finally know why the single petal flowers are better 

Posy

Do you have a greenhouse? You can start your dahlias in pots if you do and get them growing and flowering early.

TheRainyGarden

@Posy yeah I do. Will try that!