Finding Dahlias Near Me: The Best Places to Buy Gorgeous Dahlia Plants and Bulbs

With their incredible diversity of colors, forms and sizes dahlias are one of the most stunning flowers you can grow in your garden. If you’re looking to add dahlias to your outdoor space, you probably want to know the best places to find these beauties near your location. Here are some of the top options for where to buy dahlias locally or online.

Check Your Local Nursery or Garden Center

One of the easiest ways to find dahlias near you is by visiting your local independent nursery, garden center, or plant shop. Most will carry a selection of potted dahlias during the spring and summer months. You’ll often find smaller container varieties as well as larger plants in gallon pots or 2-3 foot heights.

The benefit of purchasing potted dahlias is you don’t have to wait for the bulbs to sprout. You’ll get instant color and gratification. Just take your plant home, plant it in a sunny spot with fertile soil, and enjoy the flowers.

Visit Home Improvement Stores

Big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s also sell dahlias in their garden departments during the growing season. You’ll find an array of popular varieties sold as bulbs or young starter plants.

While the selection might not be as extensive as a specialty grower, home improvement stores are convenient, making them a practical option for where to buy dahlias nearby.

Order from Mail Order Nurseries

Can’t find the dahlia you want locally? Mail order nurseries offer the widest selection of dahlia tubers, and they’ll ship right to your door.

Specialty growers like Swan Island Dahlias, Eden Brothers, Longfield Gardens, and Brent and Becky’s Bulbs have huge online inventories. You can browse based on flower type, color, size, and growing requirements to find your perfect dahlia match.

Check Farmer’s Markets

Many local farmers and growers sell potted dahlias and cut flower bouquets at farmer’s markets from mid-summer into fall. Touch the soil before you buy to make sure the tubers are established.

Shopping farmers markets allows you to buy locally grown dahlias and directly support small agriculture in your community. Unique heirloom varieties are often sold.

Visit Specialty Dahlia Gardens

For the ultimate dahlia experience, plan to visit a dahlia farm, botanic garden, or trial garden during peak bloom season.

Public gardens like the Chicago Botanic Garden, Atlanta Botanical Garden, and Denver Botanic Gardens have huge dahlia displays with named varieties you can take note of You’ll gain inspiration and ideas for new dahlias to grow at home.

What to Look For When Buying Dahlias

Keep these tips in mind when purchasing potted or bare root dahlias:

• Choose plants with healthy foliage and no signs of insects or disease. Avoid wilted or yellowing leaves.

• For potted dahlias, check that roots fill the container and are not growing out the drainage holes.

• Pick plump, firm tubers that show no shriveling or mold. Large tubers produce more robust plants.

• When buying cut flowers, look for symmetrical blooms that haven’t started showing pollen yet.

• Opt for plants or tubers suited to your specific USDA growing zone.

• Consider purchasing from growers who sell varieties grown on their own roots, not grafted. These allow the dahlia to form its own tubers.

Top Dahlia Variety Picks

Here are some stellar dahlia varieties to look for from leading breeders:

• Café au Lait – Gorgeous bicolor blooms in peach-pink and creamy ivory

• Kelvin Floodlight – Bright golden yellow dinner plate blooms up to 10 inches wide

• Mystic Dreamer – Vibrant purple-red flowers on dark foliage, great for cutting

• Gallery Art Deco – Unique peachy-orange double blooms tipped in white

• Hollyhill Spider’s Web – White single flowers with spidery twisted petals and yellow centers

• Cornel Bronze – Metallic orange and bronze semi-cactus blooms, great vase filler

• American Dawn – Fabulous fuchsia-pink 6” blooms on compact plants, Commands attention in any garden

With proper selection and care, dahlias will thrive, rewarding you with nonstop flowers until fall frost. Seek out high-quality tubers and plants from reputable sources, and enjoy these sensational summertime bloomers in your own yard.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Dahlias:

Where can I buy dahlia bulbs locally?

Local nurseries, garden centers, home improvement stores, farmer’s markets, and botanic gardens are great places to find dahlia bulbs and potted plants in your area.

What is the best mail order company for dahlias?

Some of the top mail order sources for dahlias include Swan Island Dahlias, Eden Brothers, Brent and Becky’s Bulbs, and Longfield Gardens.

When should I buy dahlia tubers?

You can order dahlia tubers online starting in early winter through early spring. For potted plants, spring and summer are the best times for availability.

Should I buy potted dahlias or tubers?

Potted dahlias provide instant gratification, while tubers take some time to sprout and grow. Both provide beautiful blooms in the garden!

What should I look for when buying dahlia tubers?

Select large, firm tubers with no shriveling or mold. Check the variety’s growing zone to make sure it’s suitable for your climate.

Can I save dahlia tubers over winter?

Yes! With proper harvesting, storage, and care, dahlia tubers can be overwintered indoors and replanted the next spring.

Where can I find rare and heirloom dahlias?

Specialty mail order nurseries, local growers, and dahlia societies offer the widest selection of rare and heirloom dahlia varieties.

So don’t wait any longer – order your dahlia tubers now or shop for potted plants. Then get ready to enjoy a spectacular display of “dazzling dahlias” in your garden this season!