Dahlia - Thomas Edison
Best choice for gardeners wanting dramatic, long-lasting purple cut flowers.
The Dahlia 'Thomas Edison' is a stunning dinner plate variety, boasting large, velvety, jewel-toned purple blooms that can reach 6 to 8 inches in diameter. Introduced in 1929, this perennial is celebrated as a premier purple dinner plate dahlia and is remarkably easy to grow. It reliably produces vibrant flowers from summer through frost, making it an excellent choice for the back of perennial borders or for creating impressive cut flower arrangements. This variety thrives in full sun and typically reaches a mature height of 36-48 inches.
$23.96
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1570
/ 3183
#1570 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
+2%
Above average
USDA Hardiness Zones
310
/ -
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a bold, high-impact focal point
- Floral designers needing reliable, long-lasting cut stems
- Homeowners wanting vibrant color throughout the entire season
Who should skip it
- Gardeners living in colder climates without storage space
- Low-maintenance gardeners who prefer hands-off plant care
- Busy growers wanting to avoid frequent pest management
Performance breakdown
Bloom Impact
Dinner plate size creates an immediate, dramatic focal point in gardens.
Ease of Cultivation
Reliable growth habits make this a forgiving choice for most gardeners.
Floral Longevity
Consistent production from summer through frost ensures a long-lasting display.
Cut Flower Utility
Sturdy stems and striking color make these perfect for indoor arrangements.
Climate Versatility
Broad hardiness range allows for successful planting across most regions.
Visual Depth
Rich, velvety purple tones add sophisticated texture to any perennial border.
Key Specs
USDA Hardiness Zones
3-10
Mature Height
36-48 inches
Plant Life Cycle
Perennial
Flower Type
Dahlia
Sunlight Requirement
Full Sun
Bloom Season
Late Summer into Fall
Planting Season
Spring
Flower Color
Purple
Features
- Impressive 6-8 inch dinner plate blooms
- Vibrant, velvety jewel-tone purple flowers
- Easy to grow and dependable bloomer
- Excellent for cut flower bouquets
- Long blooming season from summer to frost
- Adds dramatic color to borders
- Perennial for year-after-year beauty
- Considered a premier purple dinner plate dahlia
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the 'Thomas Edison' dahlia for its spectacular performance and deep, luxurious coloration. Reviewers frequently highlight the rich, velvety wine purple hue, noting its intensity creates a dramatic garden focal point. High satisfaction stems from the successful establishment and vigorous growth of the tubers. The supplier earns commendation for providing large, healthy, and well-packaged stock, ensuring a high planting success rate. While a few isolated reports mention non-sprouting, the vendor's responsive customer service effectively resolves these minor issues. Enthusiasts agree this variety delivers exceptional aesthetic value and garden performance, making it a highly recommended purchase for striking, dark blooms.
Know before you buy
This variety is classified as a dinner plate dahlia, meaning its velvety, purple blooms typically reach an impressive 6 to 8 inches in diameter.
While these are perennial in zones 3-10, they are only winter-hardy in warmer climates. In colder regions, you will need to lift and store the tubers indoors once the foliage dies back after the first frost.
Since these dahlias reach a mature spread of about 24 inches, you should space them at least two feet apart to ensure proper airflow and prevent overcrowding.
Yes, 'Thomas Edison' dahlias perform best when planted in a location that receives full sun. This ensures the plant has enough energy to produce its large, vibrant blooms from late summer through the first frost.
Absolutely. Their long, sturdy stems and dramatic, jewel-toned blooms make them an excellent choice for cut flower bouquets.
For best results, plant the tubers 3 to 4 inches deep in well-draining soil during the spring once the danger of frost has passed.
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