Can You Grow Dahlias in the Tropics? Here's the Truth

🌸 Growing Dahlias in the Tropics: The Good, The Bad & The Beautiful (Yes, You Can Grow Them!)

Let’s be honest if you live in the tropics and you’ve ever tried growing dahlias, you’ve probably ended up with a sad, crispy mess at least once. Been there. Done that.

Dahlias are absolutely stunning but they have a reputation for being fussy, especially in hot, humid places. And honestly? That reputation isn't completely wrong. But it also doesn't mean you can't grow them successfully.

So here's my take: the truth about growing dahlias in the tropics the good, the bad, and the workaround that makes it all worth it. Spoiler: it ends with a compact little powerhouse called Dahlia Figaro that completely changed my dahlia-growing game.

✅The Perks: Why Grow Dahlias in the Tropics At All?

Longer Growing Season

No frost = more flexibility. You can grow year-round (or close to it), which means more chances to get flowers.

Fast Growth

Warm weather speeds everything up. With the right conditions, dahlias take off quickly from seed to bloom in just a couple of months.

Perennial-ish?

Depending on where you are, some dahlias will stick around like short-lived perennials. They don’t always die back like they do in cooler zones.

 

❌ The Struggles: Tropical Dahlia Drama

 Humidity = Fungal Nightmare

Powdery mildew. Root rot. Leaf spot. It’s like the tropics are a spa for every fungal disease that dahlias hate.

 Too Much Sun (Yes, It’s a Thing)

Tropical sun is no joke. It can scorch the leaves, dry them out, and wilt flowers before they even open fully.

 No Real Dormancy

Dahlias like a rest period to store energy in their tubers. But in the tropics, it’s always “go go go,” so tuber development can be weak or non-existent.

 Pests Galore

Aphids, spider mites, thrips, snails they all seem to love dahlias as much as we do.

So... is it worth the effort?

Yes but only if you choose the right kind.

 

🌿 The Key: Choosing Tropic-Friendly Dahlias

Most people think of the giant, dinner-plate dahlias you see on Pinterest. And yes, they’re gorgeous, but they’re also super high-maintenance in tropical heat. 

Instead, go for compact, fast-growing varieties that are bred for bedding and borders. These are usually grown from seed (not tubers), adapt better to heat, and don’t require the same level of pampering.

Which brings me to the one variety I recommend when growing in a warm climate.......

The Dahlia Figaro

I discovered Dahlia Figaro a couple of seasons ago, and it was like flipping a switch. All of a sudden I had actual blooms, not just crispy leaves and heartbreak.

Here’s why Figaro is a total game changer:

• Heat-tolerant: Doesn’t freak out in full sun (though I still give mine a bit of afternoon shade).

• Compact: Grows about 30–45 cm tall  perfect for pots or beds.

• Fast bloomer: Flowers within 8–10 weeks from seed.

• Low maintenance: Less pest and disease drama.

• Colours for days: Yellows, oranges, reds, pinks sometimes all on one plant.

And because they’re grown from seed, there’s no need to worry about tuber rot, dormancy, or dividing anything. Just plant, water, and enjoy the show.

So Yes, You Can Grow Dahlias Here

So if you've tried and failed with dahlias in the tropics before, don’t give up just change your strategy.

Forget the high-maintenance divas and go for something that actually wants to grow where you live. Dahlia Figaro is honestly one of the easiest, most rewarding flowers I've grown in the tropics, and I can’t recommend it enough.

👉 Want to Try Figaro for Yourself?

I’ve got punnets available now (limited stock!) if you’re ready to give it a go. Hit me up on Facebook, Instagram or www.thejungleplantco.com to order or just reach out if you want growing tips.

Let’s prove once and for all that you can grow gorgeous dahlias in the tropics you just need the right variety.