October Flower of the Month: Dahlia
Family: Asteraceae
Introducing our October Flower of the Month, Dahlia! Dahlia’s are considered by most gardeners, and landscapers as one of the most attracted and requested flowers, which is why you may often see them in farmer’s markets, flower competitions, and weddings. Keep reading to learn more about these beautiful blooms.
Origin:
Native to: Central America
In The Wild: Dahlias can be found growing in the hillsides and high plains of Mexico and Central America where some variations can grow upwards of 6m tall.
Care:
In A Vase:
Dahlias typically have a vase life of four to five days, but there are some varieties that can last around ten days! To keep your flowers lasting as long as possible, replace the water often and use flower food. Anytime you replace the water, it is best to trim the stems. Remember to keep your flowers in a cool place away from any drafts.
Growing in your Garden:
Dahlias need plenty of sunshine to thrive, which shouldn’t be a problem in Florida! When colder weather does come through, they can be in danger of getting frostbite. One way to avoid this is to dig up the flowers and keep them
Symbolism/Fun Facts:
Dahlias are the national flower of Mexico where they were originally called Acoctli. They are also the official flower of both San Fransico and Seattle.
During the Victorian era, dahlias were a symbol of commitment and everlasting union.
They are also used to represent inner strength, creativity, and elegance
There are thousands of dahlia varieties. Some can grow to be as large as your head!
Dahlias can be found in nearly every color except blue and black. The dahlias that look black are actually a very dark burgundy color instead, and if you see blue they were probably sprayed or stem-dyed.
Dahlias were originally classified as a vegetable since their tubers are edible. They taste like a mix of potatoes and radishes. The head of the dahlia is also edible, (when you get them fresh from a farm, not a flower shop).
Although we can eat dahlias, they are toxic to small animals, so be careful not to let your pets near them.
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