How to Grow Dahlia 'Café au Lait'
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Dahlia 'Café au Lait'
Dahlia × hybrida 'Café au Lait'
flowerCafé au Lait is a spectacular dinner plate dahlia prized for its enormous, perfectly formed blooms in a soft cream-to-blush pink color that resembles the pale coffee drink from which it takes its name. These fully double flowers can reach 6-8 inches in diameter and bloom prolifically from mid-summer through fall frost. The plant grows to 4-5 feet tall and produces long, sturdy stems ideal for cutting, making it a favorite among florists and cut flower enthusiasts.
When should you plant Dahlia 'Café au Lait' in your zone?
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Example Dahlia 'Café au Lait' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Dahlia 'Café au Lait'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Dahlia 'Café au Lait' blooms
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8-10; can be grown in zones 7 and cooler by lifting tubers in fall for winter storage
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Tuber/Transplant Establishment
2-3 weeksNewly planted tuber or transplant begins sprouting shoots. Initial foliage emerges, typically pale green and compact.
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Wait to water heavily until shoots are 2-3 inches tall. Begin staking or support structure installation now. Delay fertilizing until shoots are established.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops multiple stems, branches, and leafy foliage. Reaches 12-24 inches tall during this phase. No flower buds yet.
Pinch out the center top growth at 12 inches to encourage branching and more flowering stems. Remove lower side shoots below first major branch point. Begin light fertilizing with balanced NPK (10-10-10) every 2 weeks. Install sturdy stakes or cages for support.
Bud Formation & Pre-Flowering
3-4 weeksPlant reaches mature height (4-5 feet) and flower buds appear at stem tips. Buds develop slowly, increasing in size visibly week to week.
Switch to higher phosphorus fertilizer (10-20-10 or similar) to promote flower bud development. Continue deep watering. Inspect frequently for pests. Ensure stakes are secure as weight increases. Remove any damaged foliage.
Flowering & Bloom
8-12 weeks until frostFirst blooms open to reveal full, perfectly formed cream-to-blush pink dinner plate flowers 6-8 inches across. Multiple flowers develop in succession over weeks.
Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering. Cut stems early morning for best vase life (can last 1-2 weeks). Continue deep watering and fertilizing every 2 weeks. Monitor for spider mites, thrips, and dahlia beetles.
Senescence & Tuber Maturation
4-6 weeksFlowering slows as temperatures drop with fall. Plant yellows and withers at first frost. Tubers underground swell with stored energy.
Stop fertilizing 6 weeks before expected frost to harden tubers. Reduce watering frequency to allow soil to dry slightly. Once foliage is blackened by frost, cut stems to 4-6 inches above ground. In cold zones, carefully dig tubers, cure in dry location for 2 weeks, then store in cool (40-50°F), dry location until spring.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick early morning when beetles are sluggish. Use neem oil or pyrethrin spray. Remove nearby weeds where beetles overwinter. Avoid planting near wild dahlias.
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Increase humidity by misting early morning. Spray with water to dislodge. Use miticides or neem oil if severe. Isolate heavily infested plants.
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Remove affected flowers immediately. Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Thin dense foliage for better air circulation.
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Ensure good air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur dust or neem oil at first signs. Remove infected leaves. Thin stems for better air movement.
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Remove debris and thick mulch near base. Hand-pick at dusk. Use beer traps or copper barriers. Apply diatomaceous earth around stem base.
Uses
Edible Flower Garnish
CulinaryDahlia petals are edible with a slightly sweet, delicate flavor and can be used as an elegant garnish for desserts, salads, and cocktails. The soft cream and blush tones of Café au Lait make it particularly striking for fine dining presentations. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
HouseholdCafé au Lait dahlias are prized by florists and home gardeners for their exceptional vase life (7-14 days), large dramatic blooms, and sturdy long stems that work beautifully in wedding bouquets, table arrangements, and floral design. Their neutral peachy-cream color complements nearly any color palette. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeDahlias attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden. The full blooms provide abundant landing platforms and nectar sources throughout late summer and fall. [source]
Dried Flower Projects
CraftDahlia blooms can be dried for use in flower arrangements, wreaths, and craft projects. Air-dry by hanging in bundles in a cool, dark location for 2-3 weeks. The texture and color are retained reasonably well. [source]
Traditional Herbal Uses
MedicinalIn traditional herbalism, dahlia roots and tubers have been used in some cultures to support digestion and general wellness, though scientific evidence is limited. Always consult a healthcare provider before internal use. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers early morning after dew dries but before heat peaks for maximum hydration. Use sharp, clean shears and cut stems at a 45-degree angle. Cut stems should be 24-36 inches long. Remove lower foliage below the waterline to prevent bacterial growth. Change vase water daily and recut stems every 2-3 days. Dahlia blooms last 1-2 weeks in a vase. Deadhead spent flowers on the plant regularly to encourage more blooms. For tuber harvest in cold climates, dig after first hard frost blackens foliage; cure in a warm, dry place for 2 weeks, then store in cool, dry conditions until spring.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Café au Lait dahlias were introduced to the market around 2008 and became an immediate celebrity among both gardeners and wedding florists due to their flawless form and romantic color—they've become one of the most sought-after dahlia varieties worldwide.
- 🌱 Dahlias are native to Mexico and were sacred to the Aztecs, who cultivated them for food and ceremonial use centuries before Spanish conquistadors brought them to Europe in the 16th century.
- 🌱 Dahlia tubers can be divided to create multiple plants; each section needs at least one 'eye' (growing bud) to sprout, and a single mature plant can produce 6-12 divisible tubers annually, making this one of the most economical flowers to propagate.
Gardening Terms
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