In the early days of Triple Wren Farm, we used to sell thousands of dahlia bunches every week to wholesalers and grocery chains. I well remember the days when I used to deliver buckets of flowers out of the back of our station wagon! If you are looking to expand into dahlias as a market crop, we’d like to share our previous experience with you and tell you the best varieties of dahlias to grow for market.
There are a few essential traits that a dahlia plant/bloom had to exhibit before we’d allow it into our grocery program. Beyond being generally healthy, of course, we chose to ship dahlias that had reliably strong stems, that were decorative form (usually balls or pompons), and that had about 3.5″-4″ heads.
The best (and prettiest) way I can think of to let you know our favorite varieties for grocery is to walk through the rainbow, so by basic color group, here are our top favorites based on productivity and durability.
Pink and Coral Dahlias
Rebecca Lynn, Zippity Do Da, Castle Drive (can be too big if putting buckets in boxes), Salmon Runner, Linda’s Baby, Burlesca, Bloomquist Curt, Bloomquist Dave, Jowey Winnie
Red Dahlias
Cornel, Tahoma Velvet, Chimacum Nadjae, Robinhood, Chick-a-Dee, Snoho Doris
Orange and Peach Dahlias
Jowey Nicky, AC Firefly, Jowey Chantal, Sylvia, Terra cotta (it’s rare to find such a durable cactus form, but they’re great), Cornel Bronze, Amber Queen, Kasasagi, Hy Suntan, Rose Toscano
Yellow and Honey Dahlias
Golden Scepter, Winholme Diane, Hollyhill Spreckles, Crichton Honey, Blyton’s Softer Gleam, Valley Tawny, CG Amber
Purple, Lavender, and Plum Dahlias
Jessie G, AC White Rabbit, Franz Kafka, Mary Munns, Berner Oberland, Bluetiful, Irish Speckles, Bistro, Hollyhill Liz, Martina, Bloomquist Compare, Bloomquist Awesome, Snoho Sonia
Chocolate and Deep Red Dahlias
Lights Out, Shadow Cat, Moor Place, Karma Choc
White Dahlias
Orsett Beauty, l’Ancresse, White Swan, Karma Marten Zwaan, Small World, White Aster, White Nettie
Bicolor and Tricolor Dahlias
Foxy Lady, Valley Rust Bucket, Skipley’s Spot of Gold, Bonanza
