When it comes to dahlias, not all are created equal—especially if your goal is a steady supply of cut flowers with long stems, sturdy blooms, and vase-worthy looks. As someone who grows dahlias for cutting (and not just for prettiness in the garden), I’ve trialed hundreds of varieties. Some earned their place as reliable favorites, while others… let’s just say they didn’t make the cut.
If you’re diving into the world of dahlias for cut flowers, here’s everything you need to know to pick the winners.
What Makes a Good Dahlia for Cutting?
Not every dahlia is cut out (pun intended) to be a star in the vase. Here are the traits I look for:
- Sturdy Stems: No one likes floppy blooms. Strong stems are a must to hold up those big, gorgeous flowers.
- Long Stems: Most dahlias I grow hit 4-6 feet tall, producing stems long enough for bouquets. Forget the shorter varieties bred for bedding!
- Vase Life: Ball dahlias tend to win this category with their tight petals and long-lasting blooms.
- Sturdy Petals: Delicate petals that bruise easily? Hard pass.
- Color Versatility: Muted or soft colors are better for floral design, though some bold shades have their place too.
Top Dahlias for Cut Flowers
Here are the heavy hitters that deliver in the field and the vase:
Ball Dahlias (Long Vase Life Champions)
- Maarn (Sylvia): The best orange dahlia I’ve grown—cheerful, productive, and versatile.
- Copper Boy: Rouged copper with hints of pink and super productive.
- Jowey Mirella: A deep, rich, red wine with fringed edges… muah- Chef’s kiss.
- Jowey Winnie: Perfectly pink without being too pink and she goes with everything.
Decorative Dahlias (For Drama and Size)
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Snoho Doris: Sunset shades of pink, orange, and yellow with sturdy stems.
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Rip City: A dark, velvety red that adds depth to any arrangement.
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Peaches n’ Cream: Early blooming with a dreamy peachy-pink hue and delicate petals.
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Wine Eyed Jill Yellow: Creamy yellow and blush blooms with a hint of burgundy. Quirky and lovely.
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Natalie G: Soft pink, peach, super productive, great stems.
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Maya: Soft pink, blush, and cream tones.
Unique Favorites
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Nadia Ruth: Blush and buttercream blooms with feathery form.
Newer Favorites (That May Be Harder to Find)
Sometimes newer dahlia releases can feel impossible to track down. If you’ve been in the dahlia world for any amount of time, you’ve probably heard the terms “unicorns” and “dahlia wars.” For the uninitiated, unicorns are those ultra-popular, highly coveted dahlia varieties that send buyers into a frenzy. And yes, the stories you’ve heard are true—there are people who would fight you in a Cracker Barrel parking lot on a Sunday afternoon for a single tuber or cutting of their unicorn dahlia.
Some dahlias can spark actual “wars” in the community, and the resulting behavior can range somewhere between rabid squirrel and unhinged possum (I'm an expert on this particular subject). It’s one of the many reasons we’ve had to put a Customer Conduct Policy in place (you can only see so many tuber tantrums before taking action).
All of the varieties on this listed below are unicorns or have held unicorn status recently. And while the hype might make them hard to find, we’re committed to growing them for the long haul. Why? Because they’re not just beautiful—they’re also hardworking, reliable, and worth every bit of the fuss.
- KA's ™ Cinder Rose
- KA's ™ Mocha Jake
- Lee's Fresh Penny
- Lee's Sugaree
- Coseytown Mason
A Few Tips for Success
1. Cut Deep: Harvest stems 18-24 inches down to encourage new growth and maximize long stems.
2. Don’t Judge Too Quickly: Some dahlias take 2-3 seasons to settle into your climate.
3. Keep Expectations Realistic: Dahlias are “event flowers” with a vase life of 3-5 days—not a full week like roses or zinnias.
Why Ball Dahlias Are My Go-To
Ball-shaped dahlias consistently outperform other bloom types when it comes to vase life and reliability. Their tight petals make them less prone to bruising, and their compact form holds up better in arrangements.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re growing for bouquets, weddings, or just to enjoy in your own home, these varieties have proven themselves season after season. And if you’re new to dahlias, start with the trusty Jowey Winnie or Maarn—you’ll be hooked in no time.
Want to add these dahlias to your garden? Join our email list to find out when our tubers are available if they aren’t showing in our dahlia shop.
Happy growing—and happy cutting!