Dahlia ‘Valley Porcupine’

Description

This adorable bloomer is a favorite with every floral designer who visits our farm. The petite, spiky, creamy-blush flowers are prickly to the touch, which is how it got its name. It’s a fantastic, long-lasting cut flower that’s perfect for arranging.

Details

Form: novelty fully double
Bloom size: up to 4 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 80 to 100 days
Plant spacing: 12 to 18 in
Pinch: when 12 in tall

Harvesting/Vase Life

Dahlias don’t unfurl much once they’ve been harvested so it’s important to not pick them too early. Harvest when blooms are three-quarters of the way open, but not overly ripe. Check the back of each flower head, looking for firm and lush petals versus papery or slightly dehydrated ones. Place into water with hydrator, or sear stem ends by placing into 160°F to 180°F (just off boiling) water and allow to cool for one hour. Expect a vase life of 5 days.

Details

Description

This adorable bloomer is a favorite with every floral designer who visits our farm. The petite, spiky, creamy-blush flowers are prickly to the touch, which is how it got its name. It’s a fantastic, long-lasting cut flower that’s perfect for arranging.

Details

Form: novelty fully double
Bloom size: up to 4 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 80 to 100 days
Plant spacing: 12 to 18 in
Pinch: when 12 in tall

Harvesting/Vase Life

Dahlias don’t unfurl much once they’ve been harvested so it’s important to not pick them too early. Harvest when blooms are three-quarters of the way open, but not overly ripe. Check the back of each flower head, looking for firm and lush petals versus papery or slightly dehydrated ones. Place into water with hydrator, or sear stem ends by placing into 160°F to 180°F (just off boiling) water and allow to cool for one hour. Expect a vase life of 5 days.

Sources

How to Grow

Winter Mini Course

Learn how to start flowers from seed in this three-part video series

In our upcoming Winter Mini Course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully start flowers from seed, including all of the necessary supplies, step-by-step instructions, special tips and tricks, and how to create a simple indoor seed-starting area.