What is the Minnesota Dahlia Society?

Updated

The Minnesota Dahlia Society (MDS) is a community of dahlia enthusiasts who share growing tips and best practices, meet regularly, and host shows and events. It is aimed at anyone in Minnesota who grows dahlias or wants to learn how—from beginners looking for local guidance to experienced growers who want to show their flowers. The society also sponsors a tuber sale every spring.

What the Society Offers

Based on the society's own site, its activities center on four things:

  • Meetings and events — General meetings and special events are listed on the Calendar page. The site highlights an October 5th meeting, a 2026 Fall Show, a 2026 State Fair Show Schedule, a Garden Tour & Picnic, and a May Meeting/Tuber Sale.
  • Growing knowledge — The stated purpose is "sharing the joy of growing and showing dahlias." Members learn first-hand from local growers, which matters in Minnesota where the growing season and winter storage of tubers present specific challenges.
  • Shows — The Fall Show and State Fair schedule give growers a place to exhibit blooms and see what does well locally.
  • Tuber sale — A spring sale gives members and the public a local source for tubers suited to the region.

Who It's For

If you are… The society is useful because…
New to dahlias You can learn best practices from local growers rather than general advice
Already growing You can compare notes, attend shows, and get tubers at the spring sale
Interested in showing The Fall Show and State Fair schedule provide exhibition opportunities
Looking for community Meetings, a picnic, and a plant swap offer low-pressure ways to meet other growers

How to Get Involved

The site invites interested growers to attend an event or meeting and to join. To take the next step:

  1. Check the Calendar page for the next general meeting or event.
  2. Attend a meeting or the annual Potluck Picnic & Plant Swap to meet members.
  3. Join through the JOIN MDS / JOIN NOW link on the site.
  4. Watch for the spring tuber sale and the Fall Show if you want to grow and exhibit.

Joining details and any costs are handled through the membership page; check that page directly for current terms.