High Country Gardens
Thomas Edison Dinnerplate Dahlia
Best choice for gardeners wanting dramatic, large-scale floral arrangements.
The 'Thomas Edison' Dinnerplate Dahlia offers spectacular, deep purple blooms up to 8 inches wide, adding dramatic color to your garden from mid-summer until frost. These dahlias are perfect for cutting, bringing vibrant beauty indoors. They thrive in heat and sun, preferring well-drained, compost-enriched soil. Easy to grow, they are hardy perennials in warmer zones (8-10) and grown as annuals in cooler climates. Staking is recommended to support the impressive, heavy flowers and ensure they stand tall against the elements.
$21.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
726
/ 3183
#726 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
-7%
Below average
USDA Hardiness Zones
310
/ -
Who it's for
- Design-conscious growers looking for sophisticated color combinations
- Gardeners seeking a dramatic, high-impact focal point
- Floral designers wanting long-lasting, sturdy cut flowers
Who should skip it
- Hands-off gardeners who dislike frequent pest monitoring
- Busy gardeners wanting low-maintenance, year-round landscape plants
- Casual growers who prefer not to stake tall plants
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Massive eight-inch blooms create a dramatic focal point in any garden.
Pollinator Appeal
Vibrant petals act as a natural magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds.
Cut Flower Utility
Sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms make these perfect for indoor arrangements.
Growth Ease
Straightforward planting process makes these accessible for most skill levels.
Structural Support
Heavy flower heads require diligent staking to prevent stem breakage.
Climate Versatility
Thrives as a perennial in warm zones but requires lifting elsewhere.
Key Specs
USDA Hardiness Zones
3-10
Mature Height
40 inches
Plant Life Cycle
Annual/Perennial
Flower Type
Dahlia
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Bloom Season
Late Summer to Fall
Planting Season
Spring
Pollinator Attraction
Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Features
- Produces huge, dinnerplate-sized blooms
- Excellent for cut flower arrangements
- Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
- Long bloom period
- Easy to grow
- Suitable for containers
- Vibrant deep purple/burgundy color
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and dramatic performance of the Thomas Edison Dahlia. Reviewers frequently highlight the massive, true dinnerplate size and the stunning, deep magenta color saturation. The bulbs are reliable and vigorous, often exceeding expectations for bloom size and plant health, making them a standout feature in the garden. This variety delivers impressive visual impact, justifying the investment for gardeners seeking high impact design.
Know before you buy
Yes, staking is highly recommended. Because these dinnerplate-sized blooms can reach up to 8 inches in diameter, the stems need extra support to remain upright during wind or heavy rain.
Absolutely. These dahlias are well-suited for large containers, provided the pot has adequate drainage and is deep enough to accommodate their mature height of 40 inches.
In zones 3-7, you should treat them as annuals or dig up the tubers in the fall after the first frost. Store the tubers in a cool, dry place over the winter and replant them in the spring once the danger of frost has passed.
These dahlias thrive in full sun. For the most vibrant color and the best flower production, ensure they receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Yes, they are excellent cut flowers. Their long bloom period and dramatic size make them a standout choice for vases, and cutting them regularly can actually encourage the plant to produce more blooms.
They perform best in well-drained, compost-enriched soil. If your garden soil is heavy or clay-like, mixing in organic matter or compost will improve drainage and provide the nutrients necessary for these large flowers.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$22