Secrets of the flower farmers; western growers reveal their tips for cut-flower success - flower gardening

Sunset, Feb, 2004 by Sharon Cohoon

RELATED ARTICLE: QUEEN OF CUT FLOWERS

Growers love dahlias because they reach peak bloom during the critical summer-to-fall period on the cut-flower harvest calendar. Home gardeners grow them because they're so easy: Just plant tubers in a sunny spot a few weeks after the last spring frost, stake the plants, and you'll have abundant blooms two months later.

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Cactus-, decorative-, or pompom-form dahlias are the best types to start with. Look for varieties that have long, strong stems and lots of substance in leaves and flowers. For maximum staying power, cut only mature blooms in the morning or evening, then immerse cut stem ends in hot (160[degrees] to 180[degrees]) water for a minute or two before you put them in a vase.

In areas where the ground freezes, dig up dahlia tubers in fall and store them in boxes of peat moss or saw-dust in a cool, dark place over winter.--JIM McCAUSLAND