How to Care for Cut Dahlias
Dahlias are one of summer’s true showstoppers. With their vibrant colours, intricate petals, and endless variety of shapes and sizes, it’s no wonder they’re a favourite for both gardens and bouquets. But if you’ve ever brought a bunch home, you might have noticed they don’t always last as long in the vase as other cut flowers.
The good news? With the right care, you can give your dahlias the best chance to shine beautifully for several days. Here are my top tips for keeping them looking fresh and full of life...
Harvest or Buy Them Fresh
Dahlias don’t transport well, which is why I only stock them when I can source them locally. If you’re cutting them from your garden, pick them early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Look for blooms that are fully open but not past their best.
Condition the Stems
Dahlias have hollow stems, which means they can struggle to draw up water effectively. To help them:
Use a sharp, clean knife or snips to cut stems at an angle.
Place them immediately into a bucket of warm water (not cold).
We recommend plunging the bottom of the stem into just-boiled water for up to 10 seconds — this helps seal and strengthen the hollow stem.
Choose the Right Vase
Pick a clean vase (bacteria is a cut flower’s worst enemy). Fill it with fresh, room temperature water and add a little flower food if you have it.
Keep Them Hydrated
Dahlias are thirsty flowers. Check the vase daily and top up with fresh water. Like most cut flowers, they don’t like to be left in stale water, so change it completely every 1–2 days.
Trim and Refresh
Every couple of days, re-trim the stems by about 1cm at an angle to help them keep drawing water. Always remove any leaves that sit below the waterline to prevent bacterial build-up.
Pick Their Spot Carefully
Dahlias last longest when kept in a cool, shaded place, away from direct sunlight, fruit bowls (fruit gives off ethylene gas that ages flowers), and draughts.
Enjoy Their Beauty
Even with the best care, dahlias don’t last as long as roses or chrysanthemums — but what they lack in vase life, they make up for in colour, texture, and sheer joy. Think of them as a fleeting summer treat to be fully savoured while they last.
Create an account