About the Dahlia Society of California
Keeping tradition growing since 1917
Where Dahlia People Find Their People
The Dahlia Society of California is the San Francisco chapter of the American Dahlia Society. Our purpose is to promote the growing of dahlias, share practical knowledge, encourage public appreciation of the flower, and help keep dahlia growing alive through education, events, and community.
We host meetings, publish resources, support public programs, and help care for the historic Dahlia Dell in Golden Gate Park.
Photo by Cristina Carrizosa
Rooted in History
DSC was founded in 1917, just two years after the American Dahlia Society was established.
From the beginning, the Society was created to bring people together around a shared interest in dahlias—to exchange knowledge, and spread appreciation for one truly spectacular flower.
More than a century later, that same spirit still guides us.
Cultivating Diversity
Some members have been growing dahlias for decades. Others are planting their very first tuber. DSC welcomes both, and everything in between.
Whether you want to learn the basics, share your knowledge, meet other dahlia lovers, or simply spend more time around these extraordinary blooms, DSC offers a friendly place to connect and grow.
Photo by Cristina Carrizosa
Photo by Cristina Carrizosa
Community to the Core
Dahlia varieties continue because people continue them.
Unlike many other flowers, dahlia seeds do not produce an exact copy of the parent plant. To preserve a variety, it must be grown from a living plant (a tuber or cutting from the parent plant).
That means dahlia varieties survive only when cared for and passed along from season to season. Dahlias are not just flowers in bloom—they are a living tradition, passed from one grower to the next. That spirit of stewardship and community is at the heart of DSC.
"It (the Society) aims 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 issue bulletins or other literature pertaining to the Dahlia and its culture; to arrange exhibits of the flower; and to assist others in so doing;
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".
—Dahlia Society of California, 1917
What We Do
Growing resources:
Practical information for growing in the Bay Area climate
Public events:
Including our annual spring tuber sale and summer dahlia show
Dahlia Dell:
DSC volunteers garden the Dahlia Dell in Golden Gate Park
Monthly meetings:
Learn, and connect with other dahlia growers
Growing Tradition
For over 100 years, the DSC has helped ensure the knowledge, beauty, and enthusiasm for dahlias gets passed on. We hope you can join us.