How to Grow Dahlia Café au Lait
Dahlia Café au Lait
Dahlia × hybrida 'Café au Lait'
flowerDahlia 'Café au Lait' is a show-stopping dinner plate dahlia prized for its enormous, soft peachy-pink blooms that resemble the color of café au lait (coffee with milk). This cultivar produces full, formal double flowers that can reach 8-10 inches in diameter on tall, sturdy plants. It's a favorite among florists and gardeners seeking dramatic cut flowers and garden specimens.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8-10; grown as an annual in cooler zones; tubers must be dug and stored indoors in zones 7 and colder
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Growth Stages
Dormancy & Planting
1-3 weeks after plantingTubers are stored or newly planted. No visible growth yet; tuber is firm with visible eyes (growth buds).
Store tubers in a cool (45-50°F), dark, dry location over winter. Plant after last frost when soil temps reach 60°F. Plant eyes upward, 4-6 inches deep. Water lightly until shoots emerge.
Sprouting & Establishment
2-3 weeksRed or purple shoots emerge from the soil. Initial leaves unfold; plant is establishing roots and developing stem structure.
Provide consistent moisture without overwatering. Install support stakes early to prevent root damage later. Remove weeds gently. Do not fertilize heavily yet.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant grows rapidly with multiple stems and abundant foliage. Leaves are compound and serrated. No flower buds visible yet.
Pinch the main stem when plant is 12-18 inches tall to encourage branching and more blooms. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Maintain steady watering. Mulch around base to retain moisture.
Budding & Flowering
8-12 weeks or until frostLarge flower buds form at branch tips, gradually enlarging. First flowers open with characteristic peachy-pink, formal double petals. Blooms continue through season.
Fertilize with a higher-phosphorus formula (e.g., 5-10-10) to support blooming. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continued production. Ensure adequate water; flowering is water-intensive. Stake or cage plants for support.
Senescence & Frost Dormancy
Until first frostFlower production slows. Foliage may yellow. Tubers underground enlarge and harden in preparation for dormancy. Frost kills aerial plant parts.
In warm zones, allow plant to continue flowering until first frost. In cold zones, dig tubers after first frost when foliage blackens. Gently excavate, cure tubers for 1-2 weeks in a warm, dry place, then store in cool, dry conditions.
Common Pests
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Hand-pick early morning; use row covers on young plants; apply neem oil or horticultural oil; use beetle traps away from plants; promote beneficial insects.
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Increase humidity with regular misting; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; isolate infested plants; encourage predatory mites.
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Use reflective mulches; spray with spinosad or insecticidal soap; remove affected flowers; encourage natural predators.
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; apply sulfur dust or fungicide at first sign; remove affected leaves; water at soil level only.
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Hand-pick at night; use beer traps; apply copper barriers; encourage predatory beetles; remove debris and hiding spots.
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Inspect stems regularly for holes; remove and destroy affected stems; keep plants healthy and stress-free; wrap stems with aluminum foil near soil line.
Uses
Edible petals
CulinaryDahlia petals are edible and add visual elegance to salads, desserts, and garnishes. The petals have a slightly sweet, subtle flavor and are commonly used in high-end culinary presentations. [source]
Cut flowers & arrangements
HouseholdCafé au Lait is one of the most sought-after dahlias for cutting and floral design. Its large, formal blooms and long vase life (7-10+ days) make it ideal for wedding bouquets, arrangements, and specialty floristry. [source]
Flower pressing & drying
CraftDahlia blooms can be pressed between paper or dried for botanical crafts, pressed flower art, and decorative projects. The layered petals retain their structure well through the drying process. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeDahlia flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. The abundant nectar and pollen make Café au Lait an excellent choice for supporting pollinator populations in gardens. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalIn traditional Mexican medicine, dahlia tubers have been used to support blood sugar regulation. Modern research is ongoing, though use is not standard in Western herbalism. [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 early morning when fully hydrated and blooms are just opening for longest vase life (7-10+ days). Use sharp, clean shears. Leave 2-3 sets of leaves on the plant to support continued growth. For tuber harvest in cold climates, wait until first frost blackens foliage, then carefully dig tubers with a garden fork. Cure tubers in a warm, dry location for 1-2 weeks, brush off excess soil, and store in a cool (45-50°F), dark, frost-free location layered in peat moss or sand.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Dahlia 'Café au Lait' is named for its resemblance to the milky-tan color of French café au lait (coffee with steamed milk) and has become one of the most Instagram-famous dahlia varieties in recent years.
- 🌱 The dahlia is the national flower of Mexico, where the plant originated. 'Café au Lait' and similar modern cultivars are selections from centuries of Mexican horticultural breeding.
- 🌱 Dahlia tubers must be dug and stored indoors in cold climates (zone 7 and colder) because they cannot survive freezing ground, making them a unique perennial that requires annual winter care.
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