How to Grow Dahlia 'Café au Lait'
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Dahlia 'Café au Lait'
Dahlia × hybrida 'Café au Lait'
flowerA stunning dinner plate dahlia cultivar known for its large, full double blooms in a soft blush-pink to café-au-lait (coffee with milk) color. The flowers are held on strong, tall stems making them excellent for cutting and arrangements. This variety is a favorite among florists and gardeners for its dramatic presence and elegant coloring.
When should you plant Dahlia 'Café au Lait' in your zone?
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Example Dahlia 'Café au Lait' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Dahlia 'Café au Lait'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Dahlia 'Café au Lait' blooms
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Dahlia 'Café au Lait' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10; treat as annual in zones 3-7 or dig tubers for winter storage
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Tuber Sprouting
2-3 weeksTubers planted in spring begin to show growth eyes swelling and small shoots emerging from soil
Ensure soil temperature is at least 60°F before planting. Keep soil warm and moist but not soggy. Plant after last frost date.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksStrong stems develop with multiple sets of leaves; plant grows vigorously but no flower buds visible yet
Stake and tie stems to support future heavy blooms. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Pinch out center growing tip when 12 inches tall to encourage branching.
Budding
2-3 weeksLarge flower buds form at stem tips; buds are tight and closed with sepals visible
Reduce nitrogen-heavy fertilizer, switch to higher phosphorus and potassium. Remove small buds along stems to direct energy to terminal buds for larger flowers.
Flowering
6-12 weeks (mid-summer through fall frost)Magnificent large double blooms in soft blush-pink open and mature; flowers can reach 6-8 inches across
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Water at soil level to keep petals dry. Cut flowers regularly for cut flower arrangements.
Dormancy/Tuber Storage
Fall through spring (5-6 months)Foliage yellows and dies back after first frost; tubers underground enter dormancy
In zones 3-7, dig tubers after frost kills foliage. Clean, dry, and store in cool (50-60°F), dark place in peat moss. In zones 8-10, mulch heavily or leave in ground.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe. Increase humidity around plants.
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Remove affected flowers; use sticky traps. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
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Handpick from blooms in early morning. Set traps with oil or beer. Apply diatomaceous earth around base.
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Handpick in early morning; use pheromone traps away from dahlias. Apply neem oil or spinosad.
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Ensure good air circulation. Spray with sulfur or potassium bicarbonate. Remove affected leaves.
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Prevent with well-draining soil. Don't overwater. Store tubers dry. Remove infected tubers.
Uses
Edible garnish
CulinaryDahlia petals are edible with a slightly earthy flavor and are commonly used as elegant garnishes for upscale plated desserts and salads. [source]
Premium cut flowers
Household'Café au Lait' is highly prized by florists for bridal bouquets, wedding arrangements, and high-end floral design. The large blooms and long stems make it perfect for dramatic cut flower displays. [source]
Dried flower preservation
CraftThe large, full blooms can be dried for dried flower arrangements and craft projects by hanging upside down in a cool, dry space. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeDahlias attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the blooming season, supporting local ecosystems. [source]
Ornamental wellness
MedicinalGrowing and arranging dahlias is known to provide mental health benefits through gardening therapy and the aesthetic enjoyment of cut flowers. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers in early morning when stems are turgid. Cut just above a set of leaves. Use sharp, clean shears. Place immediately in cool water. Flowers last 7-10 days in a vase. For maximum blooms, deadhead spent flowers regularly. Harvest before first frost if growing in cold zones.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 'Café au Lait' was hybridized and introduced in 2013 and quickly became one of the most popular dahlia varieties worldwide, winning acclaim in floral design circles.
- 🌱 Dahlia tubers can be divided in spring by ensuring each section has at least one eye (growing point), allowing gardeners to propagate their favorite plants for free.
- 🌱 The dahlia is the national flower of Mexico and has been cultivated by indigenous peoples for over 1,500 years, originally as a food crop before becoming ornamental.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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