• Close up of a person holding a redish purple bouquet of thomas edison dahlia flowers in a garden setting
  • Person holding a redish purple bouquet of thomas edison dahlia flowers in a garden setting
  • A cluster of dahlia tubers with dirt on the ready for planting.
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Ships Spring 2027

Dahlia Tubers (Decorative) - Thomas Edison

Heirloom informal decorative variety introduced over 90 years ago

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About the Variety

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Key Features

Heat Tolerant
Prefers Moist Soil
Container Friendly
Attracts Bees
Attracts Butterflies
Fast Growing
Easy to Grow
Perfect for Cut Flowers
Perfect for Borders
Edible

Plant Details

BOTANICAL NAME

Dahlia 'Thomas Edison'

LIFE CYCLE

  • Perennial

SEED TYPE

  • Tuber

LIGHT REQUIREMENT

  • Full Sun

BLOOM SEASON

  • Summer through Fall

GROWTH HABIT

  • Upright

PLANT HEIGHT

  • 42 inches

PLANT TYPE

  • Decorative

COLOR

  • Purple

Some classics never lose their spark, and Dahlia Thomas Edison has been dazzling gardeners since its introduction in 1929. Its magnificent, deep purple blooms feature beautifully layered petals that become richer and more intensely colored toward the center. With its impressive size and velvety, saturated hues, this beloved heirloom brings timeless elegance to garden borders and makes a dramatic centerpiece in freshly cut arrangements.

  • • Spectacular blooms can reach up to 8 inches across
  • • Deep purple flowers emerge in late summer from this easy to grow bulb
  • • Thrives & produces more blooms in full sun

Planting Information

PLANTING SEASON

  • Spring

SOWING METHOD

  • Direct Sow

PLANTING DEPTH

  • Deep Enough to Cover with 2 inches of Soil

WATER NEEDS

  • Average

PLANT SPACING

  • 18 to 24 inches

HARDINESS ZONES

  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11

COVERAGE

Amount Recommended Coverage
2 Bulbs / Ships in Spring Up to 0.75 Sq. Ft
4 Bulbs / Ships in Spring Up to 1.5 Sq. Ft
8 Bulbs / Ships in Spring Up to 2.75 Sq. Ft

Planting Guide

View our Dahlia Planting Guide to learn more.

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We guarantee that our seeds & bulbs will be true to type and ready to thrive. If something doesn't grow as expected, we will make it right. Questions? Call us at 855-440-2929

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    Dahlia Tubers (Decorative) - Thomas Edison FAQs

    When do I plant dahlia tubers?

    Think of planting your dahlias when you plant your tomatoes. Plant in spring after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60°F. In warmer climates, planting can begin earlier than in regions with colder springs.

    What is a decorative dahlia?

    Decorative dahlias feature fully double blooms with broad, relatively flat petals that overlap in lush layers, completely concealing the flower's center. Their blooms range from small to dinnerplate-sized, making them a popular choice.

    Do dahlias need staking?

    Staking is recommended, particularly in windy locations or when plants become heavily loaded with flowers. Providing support early helps protect stems as the plant grows.

    What makes Thomas Edison Dahlia unique?

    Thomas Edison is a classic decorative dahlia known for its large, velvety blooms in rich, deep purple tones. Its dramatic coloring and beautifully layered petals will make it a striking addition to your garden beds.

    Will dahlias come back every year?

    Dahlias are tender perennials that can overwinter in the ground in sufficiently warm climates with good drainage. In colder regions, tubers should be lifted after frost and stored in a cool, frost-free location until spring.

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