American Dahlia Society
September: Prime Time for Dahlias
September 2021
Best AA Dahlia, 2021 ADS National Show
Inland Dynasty grown by Richard Westfall 
Photo by Bob Schroeder
The Dahlia’s bloom season moves across the United States and Canada from west to east, from mid-August to late September or even mid-October. Next month The dahlias will take their bows and end their 2021 run in the garden.

I am late with this month's message, because we have attended the ADS National Show in Wooster, Ohio, hosted by the Dahlia Society of Ohio; and, a regional show sponsored by the Rochester (NY) Dahlia Society. These events reminded me of the dahlia’s potential and the enthusiasm they give to gardeners, whether you grow one plant or a thousand.

The excitement of a dahlia show is contagious. Get there early and watch the set-up, giving the exhibitors a little space. They are an anxious lot. Find the person in charge of the show and ask how you can help. An extra pair of hands is always needed—filling vases or acting as a clerk during judging. No experience is required. You will certainly see some cultivars that you will "have to grow next year.”
If you have a good experience, join the club. Every dahlia society welcomes new members. You will now be part of the group. The legendary Bud Moore once said, “ I joined the club for the dahlias and stayed for the people." There are still a few shows in the East and South. But remember this for next year - The ADS website will list the shows by state and society. The National Show 2022 will be out near Dulles Airport in Northern Virginia.
Cool morning in September, northeastern Ohio
There are still a few things to do during September:

  • Look at the blooms. The blends and some of the solids have more complex colors with the cooler and shorter days.
  • If you used labels or made a map, check their accuracy.
  • Start marking the plants that you will want to dig and store for next season. Keep the best. Always leave room on your list for some new ones and those you want to share with others.
  • Keep an eye out for virus. It usually shows on the foliage. Occasionally the plant is stunted. Learn more about virus in dahlia here.
  • Remove the spent blooms. This will help the tubers to mature.
  • Don’t let the plants fall over as they get taller. One more tie.
  • Cut lots of bouquets and spread the dahlia love to friends, shut-ins, and in establishments around town.

Many of the websites and media stories tell you not to dig and store the dahlias until after frost. In my experience, dahlias can be dug and stored after the have been in the ground for four months. The tubers will be mature, but store promptly. More on this next month.


Enjoy the remaining dahlia season,
Harry Rissetto
Archive of previous emails here,