Growing dahlias requires a decent amount of work
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Dahlias are the epitome of midsummer splendor: beautiful, jewel-toned blooms that range from dainty lollipops to 15-inch dinner plates.
Emily Linn, owner of Long Lane Farm -- a specialty cut flower farm in Linden offering a flower CSA, market stand and more -- noted the amount of work that goes into dahlias.
"Dahlias are the definition of a labor of love. They take an incredible amount of work, especially at the scale that I grow them on," Linn said, noting there's about 3,500 this year. "But they are just stunning, they bloom like crazy and there are so many colors to choose from."
Her favorite dahlias are the ones that create the most blooms and are the most reliable.
"As a flower farmer, I prefer the workhorse varieties over the new specialty varieties that haven't completely proven themselves yet. My favorite varieties for anyone who wants the most blooms, the longest vase life and a reliable plant: cornel bronze, blizzard and ivanetti," says Linn
Dahlias have a few basic growing needs, and Linn recommends giving dahlias lots of sun, lots of water and lots of deadheading or cutting, which keeps the flowers blooming until frost.
She also sprays a diluted liquid fish and seaweed emulsion weekly to promote blooming, as dahlias are heavy feeders.
Linn says pests like earwigs and slugs can impact the growing season, particularly when plants are starting to grow. She uses a granular product around each of the plants every few weeks as they start to emerge.
Long Lane Farm Flowers is a busy place this season. The farm offers a flower CSA with local pickup locations, a farm stand and flower-inspired workshops and events.
The summer CSA starts the first week of July and runs for six weeks.
"We have a four-week fall CSA as well that focuses on our dahlia crop and starts in September," Linn noted.