Unveiling the Mystery Behind the Daffodahlia: A Fascinating Bloom Mutation

In the world of dahlias, unique traits are always exciting, but what happens when a dahlia begins to exhibit an entirely unexpected bloom? This is the story behind our beloved Daffodahlia, a plant that’s recently captured attention for its striking, daffodil-like appearance—despite being 100% dahlia. This rare mutation has led to some questions and curiosity from fellow gardeners and dahlia enthusiasts alike. Let’s dive into some of the frequently asked questions about these fascinating plants and explore what makes them so special.

How Many Plants Look Like This?

Out of the 35 plants in our care, 6 have developed these unique blooms, each one displaying the distinctive Daffodahlia look. It’s not every plant in the patch, but the ones that do are absolutely extraordinary, showing off their unusual form proudly.

Are Multiple Types of Dahlias Exhibiting This, or Are the 6 Plants All from the Same Original Dahlia Variety?

Interestingly, it's only 6 plants from the same variety that are showing this trait. The other dahlias planted nearby, even from different varieties, aren’t exhibiting the same unusual bloom behavior. This points to a unique genetic mutation rather than something that can be replicated across the entire garden.

Is the Center Circle Petal All Connected or a Bunch of Individual Petals?

The center circle consists of individual petals, which gives it a lovely, intricate structure. However, the outer ring of petals is fully connected, creating a firm structure that holds the petals inside. It’s this fascinating combination that gives the flower its signature look.

Does It Hold That Form All the Way Through Its Lifecycle?

The Daffodahlia retains its distinct form when cut, maintaining the circular shape even after it's removed from the plant. However, if left on the plant and allowed to go to seed, the flower's ring will begin to break as it fades. This trait is part of the natural life cycle of the plant and an intriguing detail for anyone cultivating them.

When Does It Bloom? Early Spring Like a Daffodil or Summer Like a Dahlia?

Despite its daffodil-inspired appearance, the Daffodahlia is a true dahlia and blooms in the summer, just like its relatives. The name "Daffodahlia" is purely due to the flower’s resemblance to a daffodil, but rest assured, this is a 100% dahlia—there are absolutely no daffodil genetics involved!

I Saw Someone’s Dahlia Do This, But It Didn’t Come Back—Is It the Same Dahlia?

While there have been reports of similar-looking blooms, it’s important to note that it’s not the same variety of dahlia. We spoke with another grower who experienced a similar bloom, and after comparing notes, we confirmed that the variety was different. These unique Daffodahlias are part of a rare mutation within one particular variety.

Do You Know the Seed Parent or What Variety It Came From?

The Daffodahlia isn’t a seedling; it's a mutation of a long-established variety. We’re keeping the variety name under wraps for now to avoid unnecessary speculation or confusion within the dahlia community. What’s most exciting is the fact that this mutation, or “sport,” could hold potential for future cultivation, and we’re eager to explore it further.

Will You Take Cuttings of These Plants in Order to Replicate It?

Yes, we will! Though we’re not entirely sure how this mutation will replicate, we're hopeful. A dozen rooted cuttings are already growing in our grow room, and we plan to take even more in the future. With years of experience hosting in-person dahlia cutting sales, we’re well-equipped to continue experimenting with these plants. We’re even growing them indoors over the winter, hoping for a few early blooms by late winter—fingers crossed for spring Daffodahlias!

Was This Grown From Seed, and Will You Divide the Clump to See If It Stays True in All Tubers?

This mutation isn’t from seed; it’s from tubers of a variety we've cultivated for a long time. We’re holding onto the tubers and testing out a few theories about the environmental factors that may have influenced this mutation. Only time will tell if the form returns in future seasons, but we’re excited to continue experimenting and testing our findings during the next growing season.

The Daffodahlia is a perfect example of how nature never stops surprising us. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting to explore the fascinating world of dahlias, these plants serve as a reminder that there’s always something new to discover. We’ll continue to keep you updated on our findings as we nurture these beautiful, unique blooms.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates from our farm!

— Kelsey