Resources

Planting

  • Dahlias do best in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. The bloom time is late summer through fall.

    Plant dahlia tubers in late spring; after all, the danger of frost has passed.

    Choose an area with well-draining soil. Soil can be enriched with compost if needed.

    You can add fertilizer to the soil, such as a 10-10-10 or one that is formulated for dahlias.

    Dig holes about 4 to 6 inches deep and plant dahlias on their side with the growing eye facing up.

    Space plants about 12 to 18 inches apart.

    Do not water dahlia tuber until you start to see growth. Dahlia tubers are prone to rot, and they do not need much water right after planting. Once growth has started, water about once per week.

    Dahlias are hardy in Zones 7-10. In Zones where winter is cooler, dahlia tubers should be lifted in the fall after the foliage has died back. Tubers can be stored for replanting in the spring.

  • A viable dahlia tuber must have four parts: a body, neck, crown, and at least one eye. Here is a visual reference.

  • Peonies do best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The bloom time is late spring into early summer.

    It is best to plant peony roots in the spring or fall.

    Choose an area with well-draining soil. Peonies prefer a pH range of about 6.5 to 7.0 and do best in high organic composted soil.

    You can add fertilizer to the soil, such as an 18-6-8 or one that is formulated for peonies.

    Dig holes deep enough so that the peony root crown/eyes are just below the soil level (1.5” under soil level). The main reason many peonies do not flower is because they were planted too deep.

    Space plants about 30 to 36 inches apart.

    Let the soil dry out between waterings.

    Plant foliage can be cut back to soil level in the fall once all foliage has turned brown. This will improve growth in subsequent years.

    Peonies are hardy in Zones 2-8 and can live for many decades. Well cared for peonies can live for over 100 years!

  • A healthy peony root should have at least two to three eyes (dormant buds) and corresponding roots. Here is a visual reference.

Picking

  • Dahlias should be picked when they are almost fully opened. Since dahlia buds do not open after cutting, you should allow the flowers to be about 3/4 of the way open for best harvesting and vase life.

  • Peonies can be picked in the marshmallow stage (soft and squishy), early bloom stage, and full bloom stage. The peony will not open after picking if the bud is still hard and marble-like. Here is a visual reference.

Dividing and Storing

Preserving

  • Some flowers do well with air drying and can be preserved for a very long time. Some tips for air drying flowers include:

    Strip excess foliage from flower stems.

    Cut stems to a desired length.

    Tie the stems together with a rubber band or twine.

    Hang the bunch/bouquet upside down so the flowers hold their shape.

    Place in a cool, dry, and dark area that is out of sunlight. The dark area will help flowers to retain their color.

    After a couple of weeks, check flowers for dryness.

    Flowers may be sprayed with unscented hairspray for added protection.

Shipping

  • Flat Rate Shipping Priority Mail USPS (2-3 Day Service)

    To US and Canada

    All items are shipped immediately and year-round, except dahlia tubers and peony roots (see below).

    Shipping Rates:

    US Shipping $5/item

    Canada $10/item

    We offer free shipping for orders over $99.

  • Dahlia tubers are shipped March through June, depending on shipping zone.

  • Peony roots are shipped in the spring and fall, depending on shipping zone.