Useful dahlia advice, without the overwhelm
Growing dahlias can feel like a lot when you’re starting out. There are tubers to choose, planting times to work out, varieties to compare and eventually the whole end-of-season question of whether to dig, divide and store them.
These guides are here to help you make better choices and grow with more confidence.
They’re based on how we grow, lift, divide and store dahlias here at Thistle & Weeds in the Dandenong Ranges, Victoria. Your climate and conditions may be different, so take what’s useful and adjust from there.
START HERE IF YOU'RE NEW TO DAHLIAS
Best Dahlias for Beginners
Reliable varieties worth growing if you’re newer to dahlias or building your first patch.
READ THE GUIDE
How to grow dahlias in australia
A practical guide to planting, staking, pinching, watering and cutting dahlias through the season.
READ THE GUIDE
Dahlia Tuber Sizes: Why bigger isn't always better
What actually matters when choosing viable tubers, and why smaller tubers can grow beautifully.
READ THE GUIDEWant help choosing?
Our curated dahlia tuber packs are designed for growers who want a little help building a beautiful, useful dahlia patch.
Choosing your dahlia varieties
Dahlia Flatlay Guide
Compare colours, forms and sizes from the field to help build your shortlist.
VIEW THE FLATLAY GUIDE
Dahlia Tuber Packs
Curated packs for beginners, cutting gardens and colour-led planting.
BROWSE THE PACKS
Underrated Dahlias Worth a Mention
It’s easy to build a wishlist around the dahlias everyone is already talking about. But if you want a patch that’s actually useful through the season, make room for the quieter performers too.
READ THE GUIDEDuring the season
How to Cut Dahlias for the Best Vase Life
Dahlia vase life depends on the variety, form, growing conditions, harvest timing and how you care for them after cutting.
READ THE GUIDE
Dahlia Health Through the Season
Coming soon!
Dahlia Colour Palettes to Try
Coming soon!
DIGGING, DIVIDING & STORING
A practical end-of-season guide to lifting, washing, dividing and storing dahlias over winter.
Looking for more dahlia advice?
Growing dahlias can be a bit addictive, and sometimes it helps to have other growers to ask.
For extra tips, seasonal advice and community support, you may like to join the Australian Dahlia Growers Facebook group. It’s a large Australian dahlia community where growers share advice, photos, questions and seasonal updates.
I’m not affiliated with the group beyond being an active member myself, but I’ve found it a helpful place to learn, connect and see what other Australian growers are doing.
Please remember that advice can vary depending on your climate, growing conditions and location, so always use your judgement and check what applies to your garden.
your questions answered
Our dahlia tuber release usually happens in mid-winter, with shipping from mid to late October once tubers are lifted, checked, packed and ready. Subscribers to the waitlist receive first access to sale details.
Our tubers are grown at Thistle & Weeds Flower Farm in the Dandenong Ranges, Victoria.
We currently ship eligible tubers to Victoria, New South Wales, ACT, Queensland and South Australia. We don’t ship overseas.
Yes. Tubers are lifted, divided and checked by hand before release.
Start with our beginner dahlia guide or browse our beginner-friendly dahlia packs.
Ready to plan your dahlia patch?
Join the Dahlia Tuber Waitlist for first access to our next release, or browse the dahlia tuber collection to start building your shortlist.
JOIN US IN THE FIELD
There’s more to the flowers than what you see here. Come join us over on Instagram for a peek behind the scenes, garden glimpses and daily moments that inspire each arrangement.