8 Must-Visit Dahlia Farms Across the Country
As Ree Drummond says, the flowers "are absolutely addictive."
"I'm in love. Deep, deep love," Ree Drummond confessed last year. Apologies to her husband Ladd, but she was actually talking about dahlias! Her passion for all types of dahlias dates back to 2004, but she recently rekindled her romance as she started gardening again. You may have noticed the popularity of dahlias (ahem) blooming in recent years, and it's not simply because they are trendy. It's because, as Ree puts it, "They are absolutely addictive." And she's right! Once you're around dahlias, you want to be surrounded by the cheerful blooms at all times.
But if you didn't have the foresight to plant the summer flowers or just aren't into gardening, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy endless beds or big bouquets. You can simply visit a dahlia farm! There are pick-your-own dahlia farms across the United States just waiting for you to visit. Dahlias bloom from midsummer through early fall, with the peak typically occurring in August and September. And that's the best time to visit dahlia farms to select your own to bring home.
Most of the flower farms listed here also offer bulbs for planting, so you can place your preorder if you want to scratch that gardening itch next year. Either way, it's a great late summer/early fall activity that the whole family can enjoy. As for how to display them? Take it from Ree and try a glass or pitcher. Heck, "you can throw them into an Ace Hardware bucket and they still look magnificent." 😂
Let these ideas bloom:
Swan Island Dahlias in Canby, Oregon
This is where Ree orders her dahlia bulbs from! Swan Island Dahlias is the largest dahlia grower in the U.S. and has been around for decades. They grow 375 varieties on almost 50 acres and hybridize their own new varieties. They also host an annual dahlia festival where you can walk through the open fields and enjoy music, food, and of course, the flowers.
Petals in Bloom Flower Farm in Williamstown, New York
Petals in Bloom is a family farm in upstate New York that features thousands of dahlias, along with other beautiful blooms like peonies, zinnias, and peonies. They offer wholesale cut flowers, dahlia tubers, and U-Pick hours several times a week. They also host an annual Dahlia Fest over several weekends in August and September, but hurry, because tickets sell out fast!
The Flower Meadow in Coweta, Oklahoma
Growing dahlias is actually very difficult in Oklahoma. But if you don't have green thumb like Ree, you can still enjoy fields of them thanks to The Flower Meadow near Tulsa. Their U-Pick hours are six days a week from 9 a.m. until dark, no appointment needed. Bouquets start at just $20 and they offer a wide range of blooms you can mix in with your dahlias.
Five Blossoms Farm in Clover, South Carolina
There's a long growing season in South Carolina, so if you head to Five Blossoms Farm just 30 minutes from Charlotte, you'll start to see dahlias as early as June all the way through October. While they do offer walk-ins on Friday afternoons, it's best to schedule a visit in advance to ensure the best experience.
Summer Dreams Farm in Oxford, Michigan
Head an hour north of Detroit and you'll find Summer Dreams Farm. Since 2015, they have been growing dahlias and other beautiful blooms in every style, size, and color you'd ever want. With over 210 varieties of dahlias available, you can wander the fields and choose your favorite. Stay tuned to their social media for updates on when the best time is to pick.
Fort Hill Farm in New Milford, Conneticut
Fort Hill Farm is actually a certified organic vegetable farm that offers way more than just flowers. But they also happen to specialize in dahlias. Pick-your-own bouquets are available from June through October. All you have to do is stop by the farm stand to borrow scissors and go on your merry way. Then stay to pick blueberries, too!
Lynch Creek Dahlias in Shelton, Washington
Though Lynch Creek Farm had been growing dahlias for decades, they made a major change in 2018 and opened their fields to the public. So now if you want to cut your own or buy a pre-made floral bouquet, it's even easier than ever. During the peak season and through the fall, they are open seven days a week for U-Pick.
Jester Hill Farm in Madrid, Iowa
Starting in July, you can visit Jester Hill Farm in Central Iowa to pick your own flowers on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Choose a cup or go for a five-gallon bucket full of flowers. And while you'll be among a field of lavender and other flowers like zinnias and snapdragons, dahlias are admittedly the owner's "obsession."
AnnMarie Mattila is the Senior Editor for The Pioneer Woman, covering a wide range of topics from food and cooking to home, beauty, style, and more.
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