If there is one dahlia that should be in the spotlight for its pure, unpretentious beauty and its invaluable contribution to nature, it is this type. At Dahliastore, we are passionate about the diversity of the dahlia, but the single-flowered variety, with its open heart and friendly appearance, holds a special place in our hearts. Here, you buy tubers that have been cultivated with love and the deepest expertise in the Bollenstreek (Dutch Flower Bulb Region), the beating heart of the flower bulb culture. We are happy to share all our expert knowledge so that your garden, too, becomes an oasis of bloom and life this season.

What are single-flowered dahlias?

Single-flowered dahlias have only one row of petals, giving them a simple single-layer flower form. These flowers typically have an open and flat appearance, with the single row of petals clearly visible. Single-flowered dahlias can come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from small to large blooms. Despite having a simple flower form, they appear beautiful in your garden!

The irresistible charm of the single-flowered dahlia

The single-flowered dahlia distinguishes itself through its simplicity. It possesses, as the name suggests, only one ring of petals surrounding the centre. This open, golden-yellow centre is the secret to its success. Unlike the opulent pompon or dinner plate dahlias, which cleverly hide their nectar and pollen, the food source of this type is directly and easily accessible to all pollinators. This not only makes this flower indispensable in a nature-friendly garden but also gives it a fresh, almost daisy-like appearance that fits perfectly into any border, from sleek modern to cottage style.

Due to their relatively slender stature and the light weight of the blooms, single-flowered dahlias move gracefully with the wind. They provide dynamism and a cheerful note in your garden. Moreover, their simple structure often makes them more robust and resistant to weather conditions than their more double-flowered sisters. At Dahliastore, we specifically select strong, healthy tubers, ensuring you an explosive bloom.

A magnet for pollinators: the big winner in the garden

If you want a garden that is buzzing with life, the single-flowered dahlia is an absolute must-have. The exposed heart is a landing strip for bees, bumblebees, and butterflies. Especially now that the bee population is under pressure, planting these dahlias is a small but crucial act with a big positive effect. When you walk through your dahlias in the summer, you will continuously hear the cheerful hum of industrious insects enjoying the rich supply of nectar and pollen. You are thus not only contributing to biodiversity but also enjoying the most beautiful spectacle nature has to offer, right in your own backyard.

How to plant single-flowered dahlias and care for them

A dahlia is a rewarding plant, but it needs the right foundation to perform optimally. It all starts with planting the tuber. Wait to plant until after the last night frost, usually around mid-May in the Netherlands. This is a rule of thumb you must adhere to, as dahlias are tropical plants that absolutely cannot tolerate frost.

The ideal approach for a healthy start:

• The location: Choose a spot in full sun. Dahlias are sun worshippers; the more sun, the richer and more abundant the bloom will be. A location in partial shade is possible, but expect fewer flowers.
• The soil: Plant the tuber in well-drained soil. Avoid 'wet feet', as this will cause the tuber to rot. A little compost or a handful of organic fertiliser in the planting hole helps tremendously for a flying start.
• The planting depth: Dig a hole about twice the size of the tuber. Place the tuber with the old stem facing up and cover it with about 5 to 10 centimetres of soil.
• Watering: Water immediately after planting. After that, you only need to water the plant again when the stem appears above the ground. Too much water initially can lead to rotting.

Care for continuous flowering (bloom time: July until the first frost)

• Water needs: Once the plant is growing well, it needs a lot of water during dry periods, especially if it is in pots. Preferably water in the morning, directly at the base of the plant.
• Fertilisation: Single-flowered dahlias do not need an extreme amount of nutrition. A balanced, organic fertiliser with a slightly lower nitrogen (N) content and a higher phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) content is ideal. This stimulates flower formation instead of just leaf growth. Fertilise once a month until the end of August.
• Pinching (Topping): When the plant is about 30 centimetres high, you can pinch out the central tip. This may seem drastic, but it encourages the plant to produce more side shoots. This results in a bushier plant with many more flowers.
• Removing spent blooms (Deadheading): This is crucial for a long blooming season! Cut the spent flowers immediately above a new leaf or shoot. This prevents the plant from putting energy into seed formation and encourages it to produce new flower buds until the first night frost.

Single-flowered dahlias in a bouquet: the art of simplicity

With their slender stems and open blooms, single-flowered dahlias are the perfect cut flower for a field or cottage bouquet. They add an airy, natural look that is often missing with the heavier dahlias.

Tips for cutting and the vase:

1. The best time: Cut the flowers early in the morning, when the stems are full of the night's moisture. Cut the stems diagonally with a sharp, clean knife.
2. Water treatment: Remove all leaves that would sit below the water level. This prevents bacterial growth in the vase. Place them immediately in a clean vase with fresh, cool water and possibly cut flower food.
3. Combining: Their simplicity makes them fantastic to combine. Think of wild grasses, the playful blooms of Cosmos, Verbena bonariensis, or simple, fresh greenery like ferns or mint. The single-flowered dahlia is a strong partner that allows the other flowers in the bouquet to shine without dominating itself.

Overwintering the tubers

Although the single-flowered dahlias have a robust appearance, the tubers are sensitive to frost in winter. After the first night frost, when the foliage turns black and limp, it is time to lift the tubers from the ground. Let the tubers dry for a day in a airy place and then store them in a cool, dark, and frost-free location, for example, in a box with dry peat or sawdust. This way, you are assured of the most beautiful bloom in the next season. With this knowledge, you can confidently plant your own collection of single-flowered dahlias from Dahliastore. Enjoy!