Make Cut Dahlia Flowers Last Longer with These Tips! // How to Harvest and Condition Dahlias

[@wbflowersvt]

I use the hot water method, too, and depending on the variety, am able to get a solid 6 days. I usually add flower food after the hot water, though, so now I am excited to add it WITH the hot water and see if I can really get to 7 days in the vase! You are a source of great information as always :)

[@kawerkamp]

I have been on a quest to maximize dahlia vase life. I've run multiple experiments with various hot water treatments (boiling water, 170 degree water, 170 degree water with flower food (per your video), taking them out after hot water treatment overnight and recutting stems into fresh cool water, etc.) and have never found ANY type of hot water treatments to be more effective than simply cutting the stems and immediately plunking them into cool tap water. In my latest experiment involving 121 stems across multiple varieties harvested at same stage of maturity (I'm an experimental scientist by profession, so I love geeking out on this stuff!), 93% of the cool tap water condition were in good condition at day 3, while only 62% of the hot water treatment were still good at day 3. Btw, my tests are consistent with Kristine Albrecht's which also reveal flower food to be ineffective at extending dahlia vase life, so I no longer bother with it for dahlias. You can see her informative experiments here: fb.watch/fWNGNa7Foo/ fb.watch/fWQAtx1dTx/ Try out a direct comparison of multiple blooms of the same variety at same maturity and see if you also get the longest vase life from those you harvest while it's cool and immediately place into cool tap water. It's a beautiful thing when the path of least resistance is also the most effective!

[@hmh3808]

Thank you! My grandmother swore by “scalding” hydrangeas, but it was not to allow more water uptake. …In fact it was the opposite- to seal the cut and allow the flower to use all the moisture it had when it was harvested…as im also on a quest to crack the code of dahlia’s notoriously bad vase life, i was hoping the scald method would make a diff! I have read closer to boiling is the right temp at 200*- thnx for contributing the links! I appreciate your efforts/experiments!

[@betsymaltby6788]

Why don't more people follow your channel?! You always give us such relevant and timely information; I am always learning something new. I singed some hydrangea stems today and testing vase life...perhaps a video on long lasting vase life for hydrangeas?? :)

[@acommongardener2262]

Thanks for such great tips always! 👍👍👍👍 since we can’t push the like button more than once😉

[@wilderjul]

Thank you for this great video! My husband bought me a bouquet of dahlias today from Trader Joe's I didn't know that the closed-up buds wouldn't open after being cut, but now I do! I''m trying the hot water thing right now. Thanks bunches!

[@kendraneipp1382]

If the closed up buds have color on them at all, you might try. Each Dahlia variety is different (John Dole - floriculture guy from nc state did some research on 2 different varieties and found 1 opened, 1 didn’t)

[@daledave00]

Would it be possible to give us the names of those dahlias they are absolutely gorgeous, your are my favorite you tube channel for flower gardening , thank you

[@SunshineFlora]

Great video - hello from NW Iowa! I love dahlias, especially this time of year when other flowers are fading. Thank you for sharing!

[@marlaschaefer2544]

Would you please show variety names of this year's dahlia's you've grown this year? Thanks in advance...

[@laurahiggins4712]

Good information! I also use the hot water treatment. Plus FloraLife plant food and Chrysal CVBN tabs in the water to suppress bacterial growth in the vase. CVBN tabs should be put in the harvest bucket. Dahlias are on the "Dirty Dozen List". After a few days, change the water, add more flower food and trim the stems.

[@nicolethijs5428]

Every time I tune in I learn so many good tips from you! Thank you!

[@kylieky9169]

I've never used this method. I do use cool filtered water with plant food and careful of the stage the flower is in and usually get 10-14 days. Thank you for going over the flower stage again as that is so helpful for cuttings.

[@vickiehillicoss8498]

What kind of food do you use?

[@kylieky9169]

@@vickiehillicoss8498 I use this that I get from Amazon along with filtered cool water: Chrysal Flower Food -100 Packets. I first take my container and fill 1/2 of desired water I am wanting...WARM water to dissolve the flower food then once dissolved I add the rest of the water so it's nice and cool. I select flowers at peak which is also so important. I've learned alot about cutting flowers at the right time and enjoying them indoors from Danielle!

[@hmh3808]

Never ever heard of a dahlia lasting 14 days in the vase…

[@myswedishcottagegarden]

@@kylieky9169 May I ask which varieties you think have the best vase life?

[@cindybohl9593]

WOW!!! What a transformation! It looks great Danielle!

[@cindylouwhobohl6983]

Wow! I never realized you have to get the water that hot! Game changer.

[@jennduncan4773]

You’re an amazing source of information as always! ❤ I’ve yet to try the hot water bath and typically use CVBN tablets. Do :you have an opinion on chlorine tablets as a harvest extender? Dahlia variety question: will you share the name of the orange water lily shaped dahlia?

[@ihopeugrow]

What beautiful dahlias you grew!!! All of mine turned brown and crunchy after our California heatwave 2 weeks ago. They only have a few blooms and are still trying to recover. Hope it gives another flush before it goes dormant in Dec. I would love to try your vaselife extender conditioning for dahlias. Thanks! - Zee, N. Cali zone10a

[@fraukeg.facchini2691]

Great timing, Danielle! My dahlias are blooming, and I have been struggling to get a longer vase life out of them. Thank you for the detailed instructions for plant food, water depth and temperature, the duration, and especially that they can be cut anywhere on the stem afterwards. All my questions answered!

[@spiritranger9202]

You have such a great eye! I'm starting out a small flower farm this spring. Thank you for sharing your knowledge 🙏😊☺

[@kathrynmettelka7216]

Great information. Dahlia disappointment is real, especially if you put your floral design in a flower show.

[@dawnmitzner5222]

Thanks Danielle! Was just heading out this morning to harvest some dahlias and saw your video. I’m definitely going to try this method!

[@andrearassbach5695]

Beautiful arrangement, and thanks for the wonderful tips!

[@shaohaolin517]

Thank you for the video! Would you mind sharing the variety of dahlias you grow this year?

[@alisonwise3444]

Great tips 👍 And your arrangements are truly spectacular 💚

[@cherylwhitesell4103]

Thank you for that tip! My husband read that Swan Island does that too.

[@lisafeck1537]

Thank you for all you do to share your experience and knowledge. I want to flower farm, it may come to pass. For now, while dealing with terminal illness, immediate family, I wait to see what God has for my future. Your way, nature, seems so kind, and your blooms are so spectacularly beautiful, I enjoy your videos, they are a short escape for me.

[@maryannzgutowicz2079]

Very interesting….cant wait to try this method!

[@DeeAnnKjelshusJohnson]

Love this tip - thank so much! Do you have a video of what your favorite varieties are for cut Dahlias?

[@Momofcute2]

I am absolutely amazed by how much good information you pack into your videos. And they are not so generic information that can be found by simple google search.

[@lydiannking2247]

Yea! Dahlias, so gorgeous thanks for the great tip, could you please give us a dahlia tour with the variety name? Thanks

[@PershijsmachnijKherson]

Hello, great video, very inspiring! Thanks for sharing good work! I wish you a wonderful day!💗💐

[@margieb9917]

Thank you so much for this video. I'm a new grower and when I heard about this method it scared me, but they didn't go into details. You've demystified it beautifully and I can't wait to try it. I'm in Australia though, so haven't planted my tubers yet :(

[@Kay-qt2id]

I’m in Australia too and can’t wait to get planting, happy gardening

[@margieb9917]

@@Kay-qt2id You too. I got another tuber at Aldi today with shoots, so I'll be planting this weekend after all :)

[@Creekside_Cottage_Garden]

Thank you so much for sharing your tips. Would you mind sharing which dahlias these are too please

[@susannahdi]

You're a great teacher!

[@chrishardman586]

Another great video that I refer to time and again.

[@marthabourassa7909]

Definitely going to give this a shot. Thanks so much for the education! 💚

[@richbishop7896]

I'm just a home gardener and have never heard of this method. I'm in zone 5b. When is the best time to dig up my dahlias. Before or after a frost.

[@heylillywhite]

Thank you so much for sharing this information. I’ll definitely give this a go 🌸💕🙌

[@cathybranly1839]

I will try this tonight!

[@KleverskoyeFarm]

Im going to try this with an immersion circulator - i have one for my Sous Vide cooking. you can attach it to any pot and it keeps the tempurature constant!

[@nicolechew1029]

I'm growing dahlias (just 4 plants) for the first time. They haven't bloomed yet since I planted them so late. They have lots of buds so I'm hopeful! Thanks for the tip!

[@heidismidansky2471]

This video was so helpful! Thank you!

[@maikenanderberg931]

Danielle, your arrangements are just stunning! How many Dahlias do you grow?

[@mygardeninbloom]

Great information. Thank you for helping us make our flowers last longer. Your flowers are beautiful! 🍃💗🍃.

[@riverunner9978]

That is an amazing tip. Thank you . Your flowers are beautiful.

[@sherlklopfenstein7936]

Thanks!

[@bluesky7226]

Absolutely fabulous information! Thanks.

[@chrisparker274]

Great video! I just had this issue with my Dahlia…it did not last very long. Now I know how to make it last longer. Thank you!

[@GosiaGW]

Great tip! I'm going to try it tonight:)

[@adriennes657]

Great info! So glad I found your channel!

[@SnappyR]

Amazing video with detailed information - thank you! I read somewhere that Zinnia's will have an extended vase life with this method also?

[@ShellyDas-h2c]

Hi Danielle, May I ask how long after harvesting can this hot water treatment be done? I do not grow my flowers but have started purchasing from a local flower farm and I am wondering if I can do this before I start making my arrangements. Thank you for this detailed and informative video!

[@rachelletaylor4215]

Great information! You do such a great job explaining all your tips and experiences. I've learned so much from you! What is the lavender purple dahlia that was in the center top of the screen behind you? I really wanted to know all the names of the dahlias in the bucket. lol

[@MicheleLHarvey]

Thanks Danielle. Your detailed sharing is always transparent & very helpful. Are there other cut flowers that benefit from this hot water treatment?

[@NorthlawnFlowerFarmandGardens]

Hi friend! It works with hydrangeas and lilacs also.

[@matthewklim7398]

i hope you have your own farm one day :)

[@darlenetrowsse9269]

Thank you so much Danielle ! Great information

[@conniebrenneman3749]

So good to know! I just started growing them and have been disappointed that they don't last very long, but now I'll try this method. Thank you for sharing!!

[@cecilleflowerfarm]

Thanks this is what I’m looking for.

[@rjayt88]

Thanks for the video. I was wondering how tall and wide a vase should be for dahlias.

[@morgaynelove9327]

Thank you, friend! 💛

[@kendraneipp1382]

Thank you so much for this and all your videos! Do you just use standard flower food, or holding solution (like chrysal 2)?

[@valerieoster8049]

So helpful! Thank you!!

[@christinekelly3671]

Thank you so much this is an excellent tip!!!

[@geneswiech4381]

Thanks for the great information . 🌻🌻

[@nanaof07]

Great info! You are so kind to share!

[@vilmataduyo8347]

thanks for sharing your knowledge ❤️

[@TrishTaylor-r6m]

Thank you so much. I have tried so many ways. I can't way to try this method

[@dksgardenoasis]

Thanks for the tips! I'll give it a try.

[@carriemoriarity5806]

So good to know - thank you!!

[@sharonrickards3297]

Thanks for the tips!

[@ourmove2025]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge of flowers. They are so beautiful, and great to grow. In arrangements, what green foliage is it you add typically?

[@marthaduffy8386]

Thank you for this info.. This was my first year growing dahlias and I noticed that my bouquet last week didn't last very long so this will be very helpful with future bouquets.

[@ms.scheidler473]

Thank you so much for this video. I would love to see one on harvesting hydrangeas for vase life.

[@hmh3808]

Same method!

[@MrRKWRIGHT]

Good morning Jenn . Excellent video. Truly superb production values. My favorite method of maintaining a sustainable pantry and garden and stockpiling items long term for the whole family is what I consider to be the most practical, utilizing every type of food storage methods and technology available, both old and new. . Except for the fruits and vegetables that get canned, I keep perishable items like meat, poultry, fish, fruit, vegetables and dairy products in the refrigerator on a short term basis until I'm ready to use them for a big family meal - and for even longer term sustainable storage, a large separate freezer, which can store a half side of beef with plenty of room left over for homemade ice cream etc. . I'm considering upgrading to a walk-in freezer at some point.in the near future, if my plans to open a bed and breakfast come to fruition. Sometimes, however a nice round of cheese can do well for quite awhile on a pantry shelf at room temperature - and doesn't mind even if it has to stand there alone. Store bought canned goods get shelves.in the large pantry closet - several for canned meat like corned beef hash, spam and sandwich spread and another for canned vegetables Bread, rolls, grains, homemade pasta, cereals and the like are stored in special humidity controlled bins I order from Amazon Prime - which usually get delivered to my doorstep about an hour after I order them. . Stuff from the family garden and orchard, like onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, cauliflower, cucumber, pumpkins, carrots, corn celery,, potatoes and yams, cherries, blueberries and strawberries get canned in Mason Jars and stored in the cool, root cellar of this wonderful rambling former farmhouse (circa 1867) I share with my extended blended family and several rambunctious dogs raised on table scraps from the some of the finest food from a plethora of sources both commercial and home based. . There's even a special separate "summer kitchen" which I converted to store butter and ice cream churns, pots, pans, utensils, extra storage containers, foil, bags, cutlery, and other meal related accoutrement. Out back in the woods, just beyond the big pile of wood I maintain all year, (for use in an antique woodstove I keep on hand, in case the power goes out) there's even an old rusting vintage still where my great grandfather made some of the finest corn whiskey for miles. Next to it is the rusting hulk of the Ford Model A he used to transport that powerful hootch by the light of the moon on soft summer nights to his eager customers in a tri-county area. Further into this verdant forest of mostly sycamore, oak, pine and scrub, runs a cool stream into which I occasionally cast a rod or net to catch some Brook Trout, Bluntnose Shiners, or whatever takes the bait (just earthworms for the most part). And yes, hunting season means wild turkey, deer, and even an occasional wild boar. Next week, I'm planning on filing for a permit to 3-D print a smokehouse in order to be able to create gourmet artisan handcrafted, beef, bacon, turkey, and beef stick jerky, which interested local merchants can private label for other people to share with their families and their family dogs. Unfortunately, I had to break the bad news to my free range hens today that due to expected egg shortages regretfully numbered are their days of laying a couple of eggs and then basically taking the rest of the day off with ranging privileges' within the parameters of a few very nice rural acres - parts of which are rich with fat grubworms. There's even a short dirt road between the main barn and the farmhouse which they're free to cross to get to the other side as often as they'd like. My rooster Ben overheard me and he ain't too happy either, knowing full well that due to oncoming egg shortages, he'll be "workin' overtime to make sure there's plenty of eggs for the family and I. 😎😎👍👍🌻🌻

[@ritasicari7518]

(her name is Danielle)

[@DixieGirl9876]

Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge.

[@lisabanasiak1198]

Thank you so much great tip!

[@dianejacobs9672]

Great tips. thx!!

[@MrRKWRIGHT]

Good morning Danielle. . Excellent video. Truly superb production values. My favorite method of maintaining a sustainable pantry and garden and stockpiling items long term for the whole family is what I consider to be the most practical, utilizing every type of food storage methods and technology available, both old and new. . Except for the fruits and vegetables that get canned, I keep perishable items like meat, poultry, fish, fruit, vegetables and dairy products in the refrigerator on a short term basis until I'm ready to use them for a big family meal - and for even longer term sustainable storage, a large separate freezer, which can store a half side of beef with plenty of room left over for homemade ice cream etc. . I'm considering upgrading to a walk-in freezer at some point.in the near future, if my plans to open a bed and breakfast come to fruition. Sometimes, however a nice round of cheese can do well for quite awhile on a pantry shelf at room temperature - and doesn't mind even if it has to stand there alone. Store bought canned goods get shelves.in the large pantry closet - several for canned meat like corned beef hash, spam and sandwich spread and another for canned vegetables Bread, rolls, grains, homemade pasta, cereals and the like are stored in special humidity controlled bins I order from Amazon Prime - which usually get delivered to my doorstep about an hour after I order them. . Stuff from the family garden and orchard, like onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, cauliflower, cucumber, pumpkins, carrots, corn celery,, potatoes and yams, cherries, blueberries and strawberries get canned in Mason Jars and stored in the cool, root cellar of this wonderful rambling former farmhouse (circa 1867) I share with my extended blended family and several rambunctious dogs raised on table scraps from the some of the finest food from a plethora of sources both commercial and home based. . There's even a special separate "summer kitchen" which I converted to store butter and ice cream churns, pots, pans, utensils, extra storage containers, foil, bags, cutlery, and other meal related accoutrement. Out back in the woods, just beyond the big pile of wood I maintain all year, (for use in an antique woodstove I keep on hand, in case the power goes out) there's even an old rusting vintage still where my great grandfather made some of the finest corn whiskey for miles. Next to it is the rusting hulk of the Ford Model A he used to transport that powerful hootch by the light of the moon on soft summer nights to his eager customers in a tri-county area. Further into this verdant forest of mostly sycamore, oak, pine and scrub, runs a cool stream into which I occasionally cast a rod or net to catch some Brook Trout, Bluntnose Shiners, or whatever takes the bait (just earthworms for the most part). And yes, hunting season means wild turkey, deer, and even an occasional wild boar. Next week, I'm planning on filing for a permit to 3-D print a smokehouse in order to be able to create gourmet artisan handcrafted, beef, bacon, turkey, and beef stick jerky, which interested local merchants can private label for other people to share with their families and their family dogs. Unfortunately, I had to break the bad news to my free range hens today that due to expected egg shortages regretfully numbered are their days of laying a couple of eggs and then basically taking the rest of the day off with ranging privileges' within the parameters of a few very nice rural acres - parts of which are rich with fat grubworms. There's even a short dirt road between the main barn and the farmhouse which they're free to cross to get to the other side as often as they'd like. My rooster Ben overheard me and he ain't too happy either, knowing full well that due to oncoming egg shortages, he'll be "workin' overtime to make sure there's plenty of eggs for the family and I. 😎😎👍👍🌻🌻

[@Lovelions123]

Beautiful flowers

[@susanwondergem4014]

Thanks for the in depth information. I will definitely be using the hot water and flower food method, along with cutting longer stems. My summers are particularly hot and in the future I think I will consider purchasing more ball dahlias. You are an awesome teacher and gardener.

[@Olivia54984]

I have done this. It works.

[@3kidmama]

Such helpful information, Danielle! In reading through the comments I saw you mentioned that this hot water treatment works with hydrangeas and lilacs too? Would it be possible to sometime do a video of various treatments to increase the vase life of cut flowers - I keep hearing people mention the "dirty dozen" but have no idea what puts flowers on that "dirty" list - or other than "it means you condition seperately" - can I still arrange them in a vases with other "clean" flowers etc? You are such an informative teacher - thank you for sharing some of your knowledge with others!

[@TVyVan]

I’ve learned that the “dirty dozens” consist of flowers with fuzzy stems, such as sunflowers and zinnias. The increased surface area due to the hair on the stems provides more places for bacterial growth. If you use a CVBN tablet, they should last for 7 days or so. You should be able to mix them with the clean flowers as well in the arrangement.

[@Kay-qt2id]

What is a cvbn tablet, I’m in Australia

[@rosemarystanley1363]

That pink and yellow dahlia is a stunner! Would you be willing to share the variety name?

[@kymzyanks]

Great video Danielle! I’ve seen it pop up in a few of my garden groups and it’s been so helpful. I’ll be sure to try this on my next flush of blooms coming soon. Thank you!!

[@SPshaun]

Great tip. I’ll try it.

[@sarahchapin7919]

Thank you for sharing!

[@shannongoshen8982]

Do you recut the stems before placing in the hot water?

[@jcfink9468]

Thank you. I’m new to flower farming and was struggling with the droop.

[@bobrathplumbing]

If you don't have the plant food on hand, is there anything from my pantry to be able to use?

[@copywriterjess]

Great info, thanks! I have read this but haven’t seen it explained so well in a video. Is your outside bucket filled with warm or cool water? Thanks!!!

[@TheLittleRedHenNJ]

Thanks! I didn't know if it was okay to trim the stems of the dahlias after the hot water conditioning.

[@ElizabethM824]

When you harvest initially, do you put regular water into the bucket and then replace with the hot water or just harvest into a dry bucket? So many helpful tips. Thanks.

[@DierdreKelleher]

Can you please identify the dahlias in your bucket?

[@Flanuora]

Thank you!

[@theresadyjach5406]

CAN THIS WORK FOR OTHER FLOWERS AS WELL ?

[@shanelpaige2152]

What if you have bugs on the blooms? I have seen thrips on mine 😢

[@sallyazzato3481]

Is this initial cut in the field into cool water?

[@ranjankundu9845]

Wonderful garden. When planting dahlia flower trees in the garden, how many meters or feet should be kept from tree to tree and row to row? Please reply madam

[@LaurelBufe]

I'm wondering if I should do this to store bought dahlias or should I assume it's already been done by the seller?

[@jessicajacobs1500]

I’ve been wondering if there was a way to keep these alive in case longer!!!💕💕

[@hmh3808]

Fridge in plastic bag!

[@zhuzhu524]

Any tips on how to make sure there are no bugs such as earwigs in the dahlia flowers? I don’t spray anything in my garden and I’m always horrified at the thought that I’m selling flowers with earwigs in them.

[@Littlebitesofjoy]

What's the name of the pink on in the first photo (around 23 seconds), all the way at the top, 1:00 position? I have a similar on that was gifted to me but I don't know the name. Thank you!