I’ve begun going through the 150+ dahlia varieties we grow. I’m picking and choosing which ones we will carry forward— And it’s not an easy task. I’ll write many posts like this over the winter because it takes a while to make all the decisions.

Today I want to share with you some of my “fun dahlias”. What makes a fun dahlia? Well, I run a production farm so most of what we grow has to be productive, growth habit that’s easy to cut and be in high demand with our florist clientele.

But there are so many dahlias out there and I love to explore so I always grow some just for fun! I also think these make some of the best varieties to really show off in a home garden too!

Here goes— in no particular order:

AC Paint- this one came as a substitute in an order. I wouldn’t normally order anything like this but maybe I should- everytime I turned around, it was blooming again. “AC” dahlias have had a history of doing well in my field so I should probably pay more attention. Definitely a good one for wow factor in a bouquet. Very tall plant so stake well!

I got this one off a recommendation from my friend Lori at Broad River Blooms— it’s amazing! Great size— very medium sized so perfect for focal flower in a bouquet or arrangement and big enough to get noticed in the garden. Soft but enough going on that you notice her. Beefy plant, avg height 4ish’.

Bubbling Over- I gotta say— I love an eyeliner dahlia! I think the liner edge on petals is so cool! I wasn’t expecting this one to be so big. I have a bad habit of forgetting to check the size on a bloom when I’m shopping. Anybody else do that? The color on this is perfect for blending with others for a tropical sunset bouquet!

Scaur Swinton- This one just has a fun name to say. I wish I had gotten a late season picture because she changes color to more coral/dk salmon. I actually like it better that way. Early season is pink with purple undertones. Useful color and size either way. Tall grower- stake well!

Renato Tozio- If you need a fluff ball of an orange, this one will do. I wasn’t sold on it at first- just another orange dahlia I thought. Then I gave it a day in the vase and it fluffed out and wow— it had some presence and began to steal the show! I think this one would make a great garden showpiece variety!

Hilltop Lost Treasure- I’ve been growing this one on and off for a few years now. I think it’s here to stay. It fades so beautifully in the vase- a true joy to watch! So many fluffy layers too! 3-3.5’ feet so no major support issues either! I may take this one into larger production at some point. It’s a good one!

Brookside Cheri- Another salmon peachy beauty. Very skinny petals for a dahlia- you don’t see that much but there are enough on it that she still looks full. Cut her on the tight side because she opens quickly in the field. She’ll still open in the vase.

Roque Starburst- I began growing this one years ago as part of my production varieties but sadly the demand for a 10” white dahlia just wasn’t there. But she’s a personal favorite of mine so I’ve kept a few plants around. Often she has a slight blushy center- pretty good vase life for a large dahlia too!

Hapet Champagne- I wanted this one for years and finally got it last year. Second year and it’s even better than the first year! Decent number of blooms, great color and unique look with the lacinated petals (which I love!). There’s a good chance this one will go into production down the line!

Well there you have it- some of my “for fun” varieties that I’ve been testing for the past 2 years that I’ll be carrying forward!

Who did you try this year and love? Tell me about it here.

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