Dorothy Dahlia
Description
Dorothy brings a cheerful, garden-bright presence with lush, fully double blooms held on strong stems—an easy pick for cutting and arranging. Its well-formed flowers open generously through the season, adding dependable color and a classic, romantic look to borders and bouquets. A vigorous, free-flowering plant that keeps your display going right up to frost.
Specifications
| Form | MB |
|---|---|
| Color | W |
| Hybridizer | J J Mense |
| Year introduced | 1958 |
| Country of origin | Netherlands |
How to grow Dorothy
Dorothy is a MB. Plant tubers 12–18 inches apart in full sun after the last frost. Pinch when plants reach 12 inches tall to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.
Harvest & vase life
MB-form dahlias like Dorothy harvest dahlias when blooms are three-quarters to fully open. With clean cuts and fresh water, most varieties last 4–7 days in the vase.
Similar dahlia varieties
- 20th Ave Delicada — MB, PK
- 20th Ave For Mom — MB, DP
- 20th Ave Ingrid — MB, L
- 20th Ave Tradition — MB, W
- Bloomquist Crave — MB, DR
- Bloomquist Wonderful — MB, LB
Frequently asked questions
What color is Dorothy?
W — ADS color classification for Dorothy.
Who hybridized Dorothy?
J J Mense, introduced in 1958.
Is Dorothy good for cut flowers?
Yes. Dahlias are among the most popular cut flowers for home and market growers. Expect 4–7-day vase life with proper hydration.