Wholesale Dahlias in Philadelphia

For florists sourcing wholesale dahlias in Philadelphia, locally grown dahlias offer unmatched diversity, scale, and longevity throughout the late summer and fall season. The Philadelphia Floral Guild connects designers with regionally grown dahlias harvested fresh for optimal quality, color, and vase life.

Dahlia Varieties & Color Range

Dahlias are one of the most diverse cut flowers available, with an extraordinary range of forms, sizes, and colors that evolve throughout the season.

PFG growers produce a wide mix of dahlia types, including:

Dinnerplate Dahlias – large, dramatic blooms ideal for focal work and installations
Ball & Pompon Dahlias – tightly structured forms with excellent durability, good for vase arrangements and personal flowers
Decorative Dahlias – versatile, full blooms in a wide range of sizes excellent for vase arrangements
Waterlily Dahlias – softer, more open forms with a romantic feel; unique colors and forms not commonly available through traditional wholesale channels

Color availability shifts weekly and can include everything from soft neutrals and blush tones to saturated reds, oranges, and deep autumn hues.

We typically see the greatest diversity of varieties and color availability build steadily through the season, peaking in September.

Why Florists Choose Locally Grown Dahlias

Dahlias are particularly sensitive to handling, making local sourcing a significant advantage.

Unlike dahlias shipped long distances in boxes, locally grown stems are:

• Harvested at the right stage for optimal opening and longevity
• Handled minimally, reducing bruising and petal damage
• Delivered quickly and in water, preserving freshness and structure

We consistently see stronger stems, better bloom integrity, and more reliable performance from locally grown dahlias compared to imported product.  Dahlias just don’t like being put in a box!

For designers, this translates into flowers that hold up better in both event work and retail environments.

Seasonal Availability in Philadelphia

Dahlia season in the Philadelphia region typically runs from June through December, with availability shaped by weather and frost timing.

Early Season (June–July): first blooms begin, more limited variety
Mid-Season (August): expanding selection and increasing volume
Peak Season (September–October): widest range of varieties, colors, and stem lengths
Late Season (November–December): tapering availability after frost when only greenhouse grove varieties are available

We often see peak production align with early fall, when cooler nights support strong color development and consistent bloom quality. This makes dahlias an excellent flower for fall weddings and other events!

How to Order Wholesale Dahlias

Dahlias are available through PFG’s weekly sales cycle and are listed based on current harvest conditions.

Florists can:

• Shop available inventory through our online marketplace each week
• Place advance orders for events during peak season
• Work with our team to source specific color palettes or quantities

Because demand is highest during peak fall weeks, we strongly recommend placing advance orders for large events or specific color needs.

Design & Handling Notes

To get the best performance from dahlias:

• Recut stems and hydrate thoroughly upon arrival
• Use a CVBN tablet in the bucket to increase longevity
• Do NOT boil the stem ends
• Store at cool, but not overly cold temperatures; 38F is ideal
• Handle blooms gently, as petals can bruise easily
• Plan designs to minimize excessive movement or pressure on blooms; big dahlia heads can pop off fairly easily

Dahlias continue to open slightly after harvest, and we often see the best performance when they are allowed to hydrate fully for a full 24 hours before design work.

A Seasonal Staple for Floral Design

Everyone loves a dahlia!  Dahlias are THE defining flower of the late summer and fall season, offering a level of variety and character that few other crops can match.

For florists looking to source wholesale dahlias in Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Floral Guild provides direct access to locally grown product at peak seasonal quality.