National Flower of Mexico: National flowers are chosen to represent the beauty, culture, and identity of a country. In Mexico, the Dahlia holds this honour. Keep reading for more details. 

Why is Dahlia Mexico's National Flower?

In 1963 the Dahlia (Dahlia pinnata), with its mix of forms and colours, became the national flower of Mexico. The Dahlia is native to the highlands of central Mexico and embodies the strength, creativity, resilience, and pluralism of the Mexican people. 

What Were the Reasons for Selecting the Dahlia as Mexico's National Flower?

The dahlia was selected as the national flower for many reasons that include:

1. Indigenous Origin: It is native to Mexico and was cultivated by the Aztecs, who valued it for both its beauty and uses.
2. Historical Importance: The dahlia was used for medicines, and the tubers were consumed as food. The water pipes (surrogates for modern drinking straws) were made from the hollow stems.
3. Cultural Significance: Dahlia inspires endurance, creativity, and dignity, well-regarded qualities in Mexican culture.
4. Botanical Richness: Mexico is home to over 40 wild species of Dahlia, more than any other nation in the world.

Where Do Dahlias Grow in Mexico?

Dahlias thrive in the temperate, mountainous regions of central and southern Mexico, particularly at altitudes ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 metres above sea level. These areas provide the cool nights and rich volcanic soils that dahlias love.

Key dahlia-growing regions include:

• Michoacán
• Puebla
• Mexico State
• Tlaxcala
• Chiapas
• Valle de Bravo

Dahlias bloom here from late summer to autumn. Dahlias are grown for local markets and festivals in many farming communities and rural towns.

What Does the Dahlia Represent?

The dahlia is a suitable symbol of Mexico because it can represent a variety of meanings and connotations. 

• Dignity and Elegance: The dahlia is bold in stature, yet elegant in its fine layers of petals. These fierce characteristics express an inner grace and quiet might.
• Diversity and Individuality: There are thousands of types of dahlia varieties. Deeming it a reflection of the rich diversity in Mexican culture, languages, and traditions. 
• Creativity and Passion: Artists, gardeners, and floral designers love to use the dahlia as a representation of beauty, originality, and emotion.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Native to the central Mexican highlands, the dahlia represents the resilience, inventiveness, strength, and diversity of the Mexican people. The dahlia is rooted in the ancient Aztec civilisation, and it has become an important cultural and botanical symbol of Mexico.

Fun Facts About Dahlias

Native Wonder : All dahlias trace back to a wild Mexican species. 

Incredible Variety: There are over 57 recognised species and over twenty thousand cultivated varieties worldwide. 

Colour Explosion: Dahlias bloom in every colour, except true blue.

Dinner Plate Blooms: Some dahlia heads can grow to be up to 12 inches across, making them popular for florals. 

Edible Roots: Tubers are starchy and part of the Aztec diet. Some chefs are even experimenting with dryland dahlia tubers in gourmet cuisine. 

Global: Dahlias are the official flower of San Francisco, California and are well loved in Japan, the United Kingdom, and Netherlands.