Dahlias are perfect for a cutting garden. They bloom for a long time, have sturdy stems and come in many colours and shapes. Here are a few recommendations for a cutting garden, classified by type and property:
1. Decorative dahlias (large flowers, beautiful eye-catchers)
2. Pompon & ball dahlias (round, sturdy, long vase life)
3. Single flowered / open dahlias (for bees & butterflies)
4. Special colours or shapes
Pastel Pick-a-Pluck Garden – Soft, romantic and dreamy
Bright & Cheerful Pick-a-Pick Garden – colour explosion and summer energy
• Arabian Night– Deep burgundy, decorative type. Luxurious, deep colour for contrast.
• Labyrinth – Pink/orange mix (bright), decorative type. Also works here – brightens up in sunlight.
• Vancouver – Deep pink with white edge, dinnerplate type. Fresh colour popper.
• Boom Boom Yellow – Bright yellow, ball type. Radiant, spherical flowers that radiate sunshine.
• Cabana Banana – Yellow with red accents, ball type. Striking two-tone flowers for a playful effect.
• X-Factor – Red with white stripes, ball type. Unique colour combination that brings dynamism to arrangements.
Tips for a successful and blooming dahlia cutting garden
Layout & structure
• Height differences: Place taller varieties (such as Café au Lait, Labyrinth) at the back and shorter types (such as pompom and ball dahlias) at the front for a beautiful layered effect.
• Grouping: Plant dahlias in groups of 3 for a powerful colour impact and a natural look.
• colour combinations:
Harmonious: Use complementary colours such as pink & salmon, white & lilac.
Cheerful & playful: Combine contrasting colours such as yellow & purple or red & white.
• Spread out flowering times: Choose varieties with different flowering times so you can pick from July until the first frost.
Care & flowering success
• Sunny spot: Plant your dahlias in a spot with at least 6 hours of sun per day.
• Planting in May: Start planting after the Ice Saints (mid-May) when the risk of frost has passed.
• Provide support: Use plant stakes or garden netting for tall varieties to prevent them from falling over.
• Cutting = flowering: Regularly cutting flowers promotes new buds and longer flowering.
• Harvest tip: Pick your flowers early in the morning, then they are fresh and will last longer in the vase.
Additional combination tips for bouquets
• Mix flower shapes: Combine decorative dahlias with ball-shaped, cactus or single-flowered types for texture and variety.
• Add ornamental grasses or evergreens: Consider stipa, lamb's ear or salvia for structure, freshness and contrast.
