08/25/2026
💐Bouquet Update + An ode to Bi-Color Dahlias📝
Bouquet Update - because my main goal here is hybridizing dahlias, there comes a time when I have to stop cutting my blooms in order for them to develop seed pods which takes weeks. With the low overnights coming in September, that time has already come for me. While I’m still waiting on a few plants to document, most are now being left on the plants. Unfortunately in zone 3 this makes my dahlia season even shorter than it already is!
I have a few bouquets listed on my website for the coming week at which time, I’ll close bouquet sales for the season. I’ll still have lots of options for the Joy House until frost arrives, but the dahlias will be resting now💛
📝Here’s a comparison of two of my favorite bi-color dahlias- Letterkenny Dreamwalker (left) is a warmer burgundy tone while Aitara Diadem (right) is a cooler pinky purple. Each bloom has it’s own variations and patterns making them a little surprise with each stem. I have numerous bi-colors but these two always stop me in my tacks.
Nerd alert (cliffs notes version) 🤓 Dahlias contain 8 genetic chromosomes vs. our 2🧬 This makes their genetics highly improbable, they also contain an element called transposons or jumping genes. Bi-Color dahlias have a higher genetic makeup of transposons which move along their DNA sequence making the areas producing anthocyanin (pigment) “jump” or change throughout the plant. Higher anthocyanin = Dark while Low = Light. This is also what causes “sporting” where a known variety might suddenly have a single stem bloom in a completely different color or pattern. SO the fact that all of these highly unlikely sequences came together to create these beauties just blows my mind🤯 I can confidently say they are my favourite type of dahlias regardless of form. IF you happened to make it this far, virtual high five✋🏻 I’d love to know how you feel about bi-color blooms?
