How Dahlias Captivated Me and Started It All

Hi, I’m Sam—and I was completely swept away by dahlias. Still am, honestly. They were the first flower that really pulled me into the world of flower farming, and once they had me, they had me.

The Dahlia Bug Is Real
It all started the way most modern obsessions do: scrolling on social media. I stumbled onto this dreamy photo of a dahlia field at golden hour—bloom after bloom glowing like something out of a fairytale. Some were the size of dinner plates, in colors I didn’t know flowers came in. I thought: I want to grow that. I want to be surrounded by that.

that was it. The bug had bitten.

Falling Down the Tuber Hole

What followed was hours—and hours—of research. I combed through websites like Floret, Swan Island, and small local growers, picking out varieties by color, petal shape, names that sounded poetic. I spent about $500 that first season. It felt like a lot at the time, but honestly? I had no regrets. I was creating something.

The hardest part was limiting myself. I made a rule: just one tuber per variety. Did I stick to it? Of course not. I’m only human.

Dreams Meet Dirt

That first spring, I planted everything with the kind of hope only a first-time grower knows. I pictured armfuls of blooms, vases on every table, maybe even my own little roadside flower stand. But then… reality.

I lost half my tubers.

It crushed me. I didn’t know then what I know now—about soil temps, proper storage, or how not to water them too early. But even in that loss, something deeper had taken root in me. The obsession didn’t fade. It grew stronger.

What Dahlias Taught Me
Dahlias taught me that beauty often comes with challenge. That patience isn’t optional in the garden. That the first bloom after months of waiting is worth every ounce of effort. They taught me how to show up every day—sometimes to water, sometimes to troubleshoot, sometimes just to hope.

Even now, a few years in, I still find myself in awe every time one opens. No two are alike. And each one feels like a little reward for not giving up.

Tips for First-Time Dahlia Growers:
Here’s what I wish someone had told me in the beginning:

Store tubers with care. I lost more in storage than I did in the ground. Keep them cool, dry, and labeled.

Don’t plant too early. Wait until your soil is 60°F or warmer.

Label everything. Trust me, you’ll forget which is which.

Start small. A dozen well-cared-for plants will teach you more than 50 neglected ones.

Expect losses. Especially your first year. It’s part of the learning curve.

Where I Am Now
Now, I’m growing dahlias not just for myself, but for my community. I sell flowers at local markets and hope they bring the same magic to others that they brought to me. If you’re curious about starting your own dahlia patch, or if you’re already knee-deep in tubers and looking for company—you’re in the right place.

I’ll be sharing more of my journey, lessons, and maybe even some of my favorite varieties here. Because it all started with dahlias—and honestly, I hope it never ends.