Dahlia, Garden dahlia
Dahlia pinnata

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A daisy family herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 1.5-2 m high and spreads 50-90 cm wide. The leaves have purple tints. They are divided into 3 or 5 segments. The flowers are in clustered flower-heads.

There are about 30 Dahlia species and many cultivated varieties.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate to subtropical plant. It is best in light to medium well-drained soil. It needs an open sunny position. It is resistant to frost but damaged by drought. It suits hardiness zones 8-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andes, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bolivia, Central America, Central Asia, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Korea, Mexico (country/location of origin), Myanmar, North America, SE Asia, South America, Tajikistan

How it is used for food

The tubers are eaten as a vegetable. They are high in inulin. It is used in bread. Flower petals can be eaten in salads. The sweet extract from the tuber is used for a drink or flavouring. It is mixed with hot or cold water or milk or sprinkled on ice cream.

Edible parts

Flowers, root, tubers

How it is grown

Plants are grown by seeds or division.

Its other names

Local names

Mogok-pan

Synonyms

Bidens variabilis (Desf.) Baill.; Dahlia nana Andrews; Dahlia rosea Cav.; and others