Dahlia 'Thomas Edison' Bulbs

'Thomas Edison' is a decorative dahlia celebrated for its towering height, lush dinnerplate blooms, and enduring elegance. Standing 36 to 48 inches tall, this gardener's favorite begins its show in midsummer, continuing through fall and often until the first frost. Its fully double, 9-inch flowers feature rich purple petals with a velvety finish, arranged in perfect symmetry. These striking blooms are ideal for dramatic monofloral bouquets or as highlights in mixed arrangements. As a bonus, the more you cut, the more this beauty will bloom—but be sure to harvest flowers just before they fully open for the best results.

A tuberous-rooted perennial in Zones 9-11, 'Thomas Edison' grows tall and bushy with an upright habit that thrives as an accent or specimen plant. It's stunning in containers but truly shines when massed or grouped in the back of garden borders and beds. For additional support, consider staking or caging these robust plants.

While easy to grow, dahlias flourish best with thoughtful care tailored to your growing zone. Plant them in rich, well-draining soil in a sunny or partially shaded spot. Heavy clay or sandy soil can be amended with organic materials like peat moss or bark for optimal growing conditions.

Plant tubers in spring after the final frost, spacing them 12 to 36 inches apart and burying them 3 inches deep in warm soil. Water thoroughly at planting and continue regular watering during active growth. Pinching stems at 8 to 10 inches and pruning taller growth will promote bushier plants and abundant blooms. Mulch to maintain soil moisture and coolness, and divide tubers in fall for future seasons.

For an early start, plant tubers indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date. Use a quality potting mix in 5- to 8-inch pots and transplant them outside after the frost risk has passed.

NOTE: In Zones 3-7, lift and store tubers indoors before frost in dry peat moss or vermiculite at 50°F. Alternatively, grow as an annual for its one-of-a-kind charm in any garden.