Dahlia Society of California, San Francisco
The first California chapter of the American Dahlia Society
EST. 1917
Photo by Cristina Carrizosa
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
The DSCSF is honored to kick of this landmark milestone with special events planned.
Upcoming Events:
Monthly Member Meeting
Tuesday, June 9, 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.
Save the Dates:
Annual Dahlia Show
August 15-16, 2026
Sat: 10AM to 5PM
Sun: 10AM to 4PM
Hall of Flowers, Golden Gate Park
Public Event: FREE ADMISSION
Each summer, on the third weekend in August, the Dahlia Society of California, San Francisco draws thousands of visitors to its annual show and competition in the enormous Hall of Flowers. Growers from all over the state bring their best blooms. Blooms in all categories are judged and awarded ribbons, including the elusive “Best in Show.” Other categories: Best Photo; People’s Choice Award; Best Arrangement; Best Junior Bloom; and “Nature’s Oddities.”
You must be a dahlia society member to compete, but the public is welcome to see this eye-popping event.
Dell Celebration
Sunday, September 13, 2026
Dahlia Dell, Golden Gate Park
Public Event: 10am – Noon
Private Event: Noon – 2pm
Save the Date!
Details coming soon.
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
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.
Volunteer at the Dell
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:
Thank you!
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Thank you! 〰️
A smiling Lou Paradise, hybridizer of our flower of the year: Skip to My Lou
An Amazing Tuber & Plant Sale!
What an amazing turnout! Thank you to everyone who came out on 4/25 to support our dahlia society. True to form, we sold out by noon.
We can’t wait to see pics of the dahlias you’ll be growing, please send them our way. Reminder, if you want to compete in our annual dahlia show, you must be a member of DSCSF.
Kickstarter for “DAHLIA” book, fully funded!
DAHLIA is a hardcover photobook exploring the flowers of Golden Gate Park’s Dahlia Dell through color, form, and abstraction. Created over months of close observation, it reflects both the blooms and the community that cares for them.
By, Cristina Carrizosa (DSCSF member and Dell volunteer)
Our Partners
