It’s Peak Dahlia Season in SF!
Due to a cold, wet spring and an extra cool summer, peak dahlia season is finally here for 2023, but a bit later than normal! And there’s no better place in San Francisco to view these gorgeous bulbs than at the “Dahlia Dell” in Golden Gate Park located right next to the Conservatory of Flowers.
This “dell” a tribute to the official flower of San Francisco, contains over 700 named dahlia varieties in eye-popping colors and forms, from the tiniest pom (<2”) to the biggest AA (12+”).
The Dahlia Dell (see the map) is a free public garden created by the Dahlia Society of California (also known as the San Francisco Dahlia Society). Members grow hundreds of varieties of dahlias for their beauty, competitions, hybridization, and education. Dahlias have been grown in Golden Gate Park for over 100 years. Society volunteers keep the tradition of growing San Francisco’s official flower alive for all to enjoy.
When is peak season?
July, August, and September are the best months to see blooms. The absolute peak is the last week of August-first week of September. Some of the growers let their sections go to seed starting in September, others keep deadheading and disbudding to prolong the season until Thanksgiving!
Are there picnic tables at the Dell?
Yes, there is one picnic table near the Dell. You can reserve it here. There are also a few adjacent benches and a lawn area for picnic blankets.
2023 Dahlia Events
- Saturday, Aug. 12, 11AM -12:30PM
- Saturday, Sept. 16, 11AM-12:30PM
Guided tours of the beautiful Dahlia Dell during its peak blooming period. Free.
Annual Dahlia Show & Competition – August 19-20, 2023 – FREE at the County Fair Building at 9th/Irving in Golden Gate Park – Each summer, in the third weekend in August, the Dahlia Society of California draws thousands of visitors to its annual show 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 member to compete, but the public is welcome to see this eye-popping event.
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