Dahlia Society of California, San Francisco

The first California chapter of the American Dahlia Society

EST. 1917

Photo by Cristina Carrizosa

A large group of people gathered around colorful dahlia flowers at the Dahlia Dell in Golden Gate Park.

DSCSF: Caretakers of the Dahlia Dell in Golden Gate Park

Society volunteers grow and maintain over 700 named dahlia varieties in this free 100 year old public garden.

The Dahlia: Celebrating 100 years as the Official Flower of San Francisco

A decorative illustration celebrating 100 years of Dahlia Society of California, featuring flowers, a house, a trolley, and the Golden Gate Bridge with text about the anniversary, 1926-2026.

Design by Mini Kurhan

The DSCSF is honored to kick off this landmark milestone with special events planned.

We have merch!

SF Centennial Unisex T-Shirt
$25.00

This t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for all.

  • T-Shirt Style: Unisex Staple T-Shirt | Bella + Canvas 3001

  • 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)

  • Fabric weight: 4.2 oz./yd.² (142 g/m²)

  • Pre-shrunk fabric

  • Side-seamed construction

  • Shoulder-to-shoulder taping

  • Blank product sourced from Nicaragua, Mexico, Honduras, or the US

  • Disclaimer: The fabric is slightly sheer and may appear see-through, especially in lighter colors or under certain lighting conditions.

Made to Order: This item is created after your order is placed, and will be printed and shipped via Printful. Making items only when they’re ordered helps reduce overproduction and waste — thank you for choosing a more sustainable way to shop.

Production: 2–5 business days (typically 3 days)
Shipping to USA: 1–8 business days

SF Centennial Apron
$30.00

This 100% organic cotton apron is great for the kitchen or the garden. Two front pockets and adjustable waist straps.

  • 100% organic cotton

  • Fabric weight: 7.08 oz/yd² (240 g/m²) 

  • Adjustable straps

  • Large front pocket in the front with 2 compartments

  • Blank product sourced from Bangladesh

Made to Order: This item is created after your order is placed, and will be printed and shipped via Printful. Making items only when they’re ordered helps reduce overproduction and waste — thank you for choosing a more sustainable way to shop.

Production: 2–5 business days (typically 3 days)
Shipping to USA: 1–8 business days

SF Centennial Colorful Mug
$12.00

What better way to celebrate dahlias than with a variety of colors! These ceramic mugs not only have a beautiful design on them, but also a colorful rim, handle, and inside, so the mug is bound to spice up your mug rack. 11oz. and 15oz. mugs (select a color for available sizes).

  • Ceramic

  • 11 oz mug dimensions: 3.79″ (9.6 cm) in height, 3.25″ (8.3 cm) in diameter

  • 15 oz mug dimensions: 4.69″ (11.9 cm) in height, 3.35″ (8.5 cm) in diameter

  • Lead and BPA-free material

  • Colored rim, inside, and handle

  • Dishwasher and microwave safe

Made to Order: This item is created after your order is placed, and will be printed and shipped via Printful. Making items only when they’re ordered helps reduce overproduction and waste — thank you for choosing a more sustainable way to shop.

Production: 2–5 business days (typically 3 days)
Shipping to USA: 1–8 business days

SF Centennial Unisex Premium Zip Hoodie
$35.00

This zip hoodie is soft, warm, and versatile enough for year-round layering. With its relaxed fit and clean design details, it’s the kind of hoodie you’ll reach for daily—whether you’re on the go or lounging at home.

  • Hoodie Style: Full Zip Hoodie | Lane Seven LS14003

  • Heather colors are 60% cotton, 40% recycled polyester

  • Fabric weight: 8.3 oz./yd.² (280 g/m²)

  • Relaxed fit

  • Three-panel hood with matching round drawcord

  • Zipper with auto-lock slider

  • Front kangaroo pockets

  • Ribbed cuffs and waistband

  • Blank product sourced from Pakistan

Made to Order: This item is created after your order is placed, and will be printed and shipped via Printful. Making items only when they’re ordered helps reduce overproduction and waste — thank you for choosing a more sustainable way to shop.

Production: 2–5 business days (typically 3 days)
Shipping to USA: 1–8 business days

Upcoming Events:

Two people, a Erik Gaensler and Deborah Dietz, are standing in a garden filled with pink, orange, and yellow dahlia flowers. Both are smiling and wearing  t-shirt that says 'California' and references dahlia shows.

Monthly Member Meeting

Tuesday, September 8, 2026
7:30PM–9PM

County Fair Building (Classroom), Golden Gate Park

Private Event: DSCSF Members Only

The Dahlia Society of California meets the second Tuesday of every month, except January. We learn what to do (and what not to do) with our tubers and dahlias from the experts in our society. Members can attend in person or on Zoom.

September Program:

  • Bring your blooms for a MINI-SHOW!

    • Got plants in peak bloom and want to show off what you’re growing? Bring them to the September meeting.

    • Fill out the entry cards just like you would at our Annual Show (find Show forms and info here).

    • This is also a great learning opportunity for those who have never entered the show.

  • More meeting details announced at the beginning of the month.


Dell Celebration

Sunday, September 13, 2026

Dahlia Dell, Golden Gate Park

Public Event: 10am – Noon
Private Event: Noon – 2pm

Celebrate 100 years of the dahlia as San Francisco’s official flower at the Dahlia Dell during peak bloom! Join us from 10am–noon for free, docent-led garden tours to learn about dahlias, the Dell, and their colorful history in San Francisco. The event is free, all-ages, and open to the public, followed by a DSCSF members-only picnic.

Est. 1917

“… to unite ALL parties acceptable to one another without regard to sex, occupation or profession, who feel an interest in Dahlia culture, especially for its own sake; … to work together in a spirit of helpfulness and co-operation; to the end that public taste may be stimulated, our homes made more attractive and beautiful, and that the glory of our state may be magnified”.

Membership

DSC member volunteering at the Dell

We are always looking for volunteers to help us maintain the Dahlias located at the Dell in Golden Gate Park.

You must be a member to volunteer.

Learn more about the Dell.

Volunteer at the Dell

Celebrate diversity, plant dahlias

Learn from some of the most knowledgeable Dahlia growers and hybridizers in the world, get tips for growing in our unique Bay Area climate, and connect with other local dahlia growers. All levels are welcome!

Become a Member

Noteworthy:

What an incredible show!

The DSCSF hosts the most spectacular, jaw-droppingly beautiful flower show and competition* every summer. This year’s did not disappoint.

*possibly biased opinion

Dahlia Dell in the Press

  • KQED

    8/17/26 – San Francisco’s Dahlia Show Celebrates a Century of Floral Diversity

  • SF Chronicle

    8/15/26 – Print and Digital, ‘Just mind-blowing’: S.F.’s official flower celebrates 100th anniversary with dazzling color

  • ABC7 News

    8/13/26 – “Yes, San Francisco has an official flower and it's blooming at Golden Gate Park”

  • KQED

    8/13/26 – Annual Show announcement, “San Francisco’s Official Flower Turns 100. Celebrate With a Free Dahlia Show This Weekend”

  • ABC7 News

    8/11/26 – Evening News mention (at 32min)

  • Secret San Francisco

    9/4/23 – “You Can Still Catch The Dahlia Garden In Bloom In GG Park”

  • SF Chronicle

    8/5/22 – Podcast: “Where to take a first date in San Francisco”

  • Craftsmanship Magazine

    “Of Dahlias, Devoted Growers, and their High-Stakes Competitions”

  • SF Gate

    8/18/10 – “Hello, dahlia! S.F.'s official flower in bloom”

Watch the Video:
ABC 7 Eyewitness News
8/13/26 – “Yes, San Francisco has an official flower and it's blooming at Golden Gate Park”

Full Report on ABC7 Website, Here

Our Partners

Logo of the American Dahlia Society featuring a purple daisy-like flower and text indicating it was founded in 1918.
Logo for San Francisco Recreation & Parks featuring a person swinging on a swing set with trees in the background.