Dahlia (Dahlia rosea)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Dahlia rosea is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet extract of the tuber, called 'dacopa', is used as a beverage or as a flavouring. — The flower petals are used in salads.; Root - cooked and used as a vegetable.; A bitter flavour.; Inedible according to another report.

Habitat & North American Range

Pine-oak forests and sandy meadows to 1500 metres. (Zone 8)