How to Grow David Howard
David Howard
Dahlia × pinnata 'David Howard'
flowerDavid Howard is a striking decorative dahlia cultivar known for its warm orange-red flowers with dark bronze-tinted foliage that creates a dramatic contrast. This mid-sized dahlia produces abundant 4-5 inch blooms from summer through fall. It's a favorite among gardeners for cut flowers and landscape displays.
When should you plant David Howard in your zone?
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Example David Howard timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant David Howard
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 David Howard blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact David Howard dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 6-9; requires winter protection in zones 5
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Tuber Sprouting
2-3 weeksTubers begin to send up shoots after being planted in warm soil; small white or pale sprouts emerge
Plant after last frost when soil reaches 60°F. Keep soil warm and moist. Avoid overwatering dormant tubers
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlants develop multiple stems and bronze-tinged leaves; dark foliage becomes increasingly prominent. Height increases steadily
Pinch back growing tips when plants reach 12-18 inches to encourage bushier growth. Begin staking or caging for support. Feed with balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks
Bud Formation
2-3 weeksFlower buds begin forming at stem tips; unopened buds appear tightly clustered
Maintain consistent watering. Apply flower-promoting fertilizer (higher phosphorus). Remove any damaged or weak buds to direct energy to quality blooms
Flowering
8-12 weeks (July-October)Large orange-red decorative flowers open, providing striking contrast against dark foliage. Multiple blooms appear continuously
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms. Stake tall stems. Cut flowers for arrangements in early morning
Decline & Dormancy
Ongoing until frostFlowering slows with first frost; foliage dies back completely. Plant enters dormancy
In zones 6-7, dig tubers after first frost, clean, dry, and store in cool (40-50°F), dark location. In warmer zones, can mulch heavily to protect tubers in ground
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7-10 days if infestation is severe
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Remove affected flowers and buds; use blue sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil
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Hand-pick in early morning; use pheromone traps away from plants; apply neem oil or spinosad
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Spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly until controlled
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and
Handpick at dusk; use copper tape barriers; apply diatomaceous earth; beer traps
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryDavid Howard dahlia petals are edible with a slightly spicy, peppery flavor and can be used as garnish for salads, desserts, and cocktails, adding visual impact and subtle flavor complexity. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
HouseholdExcellent cut flower with long vase life (7-10 days) when properly conditioned. The warm orange-red blooms and dark foliage make stunning focal points in bouquets and arrangements. [source]
Dried Flowers & Floral Design
CraftDahlias can be dried for use in dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and craft projects. Hang bundles upside down in a warm, dark, dry location for 2-3 weeks. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeDavid Howard dahlias attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects throughout the flowering season, making them valuable for supporting pollinator populations in gardens. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalIn traditional medicine systems, some dahlia species have been used to support digestive health and blood sugar regulation, though scientific evidence is limited. [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 fully hydrated and flowers are open but not fully mature. Cut stems at 45-degree angles, remove lower leaves, and immediately place in cool water with floral preservative. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to extend flowering season. In fall, after the first light frost (25-32°F), or when stems naturally start to die back, dig tubers carefully with a garden fork, brush off excess soil, allow to air dry for 1-2 weeks in a cool location, then store.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 David Howard dahlias were named after a renowned dahlia breeder and hybridizer, and the variety represents decades of selective breeding for the perfect combination of flower form and foliage color
- 🌱 The dark bronze foliage of David Howard is a unique characteristic among dahlias—this coloration develops more intensely in warm, sunny conditions and provides an exceptional backdrop for the bright orange flowers
- 🌱 Dahlias are native to Mexico and were considered sacred by the Aztecs; the Aztec name 'acocotli' referred to the plant's tuberous root. The modern dahlia family includes over 50,000 registered cultivars
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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