Two of the darkest, most dramatic dahlias. Thomas Edison is a rich purple Formal Decorative; Arabian Night is a deep dark red that appears nearly black in certain light.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Thomas Edison | Arabian Night | |
|---|---|---|
| ADS Code | 1109 | 4007 |
| Size | Large (8-10") | Miniature (<4") |
| Form | Informal Decorative | Formal Decorative |
| Color | Purple | Dark Red |
| Height | 3.5–4.5 ft | 2–3 ft |
| Bloom Season | Midsummer to first frost | Midsummer to first frost |
| Staking | Yes | No |
| Pinching | Pinch the center shoot when 12" tall to encourage branching. For exhibition-size blooms, disbud side shoots leaving one terminal bud per stem. | Pinch the center shoot at 12" tall to encourage branching and more blooms. |
| Hardiness Zones | 8-11 | 8-11 |
About These Varieties
Thomas Edison: Iconic deep royal purple since 1929. Nearly 100 years old and still beloved. ADS Cream of Crop.
Arabian Night: Velvety deep dark red miniature. One of the first to bloom. More resistant to thrips.
Want to grow one of these?