'Thomas Edison' is a decorative dahlia with bold, dinnerplate-sized blooms and a rich purple hue that gardeners can't resist. Growing up to 36 to 48 inches tall, it's a summertime standout that blooms from midsummer until fall, often lasting to the first frost. The 9-inch flowers are fully double, with wide, slightly rolled petals that make every bloom look perfectly sculpted. These beauties are excellent for cuttingjust be sure to harvest them nearly fully open for the best results. Plus, cutting encourages even more blooms for a continuous show.
A tender perennial in Zones 9-11, 'Thomas Edison' is bushy and upright, making it perfect for borders, beds, or even containers. This dahlia makes a statement when planted in groups or as a focal point, and its tall growth habit benefits from staking or caging for extra support.
Dahlias are
Low maintenance and love full sun to partial shade and rich, well-draining soil. If you're working with heavy clay or sandy soil, mix in organic materials like peat moss to improve drainage and water retention.
Plant the tubers in spring, after frost danger has passed, spacing them 12 to 36 inches apart and planting them 3 inches deep in warm soil. Keep the soil moist, pinch back stems at 8 to 10 inches, and trim taller growth to encourage more flowers. Fertilize in spring and late summer and add mulch to lock in moisture and keep the soil cool. Divide tubers in the fall to expand your dahlia collection year after year!
Start tubers indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost if you'd like a head start. Use small pots with good potting soil and transplant the plants outside after frost danger has passed.
NOTE: In Zones 3-7, lift the tubers before the first frost and store them in dry peat moss or vermiculite at 50°F. You can also grow 'Thomas Edison' as an annual for vibrant blooms in any garden setting.
