Mexican Flower Dahlia: Everything You Should Need to Know About It

Mexican Flower Dahlia is called atlcocotlixochitl in Nahuatl, which translates to “flower of water stems.” A specific dahlia that is said to have originated in Aztlán, the mythological home of the Aztecs, is described by Francisco Hernández in the book Natural History of New Spain.

Except in Russia and Ukraine, where it is known as Georgina or jorjina, the term dahlia is widely used practically elsewhere in the world. Anders Dahl, a Swedish botanist, is honoured by the name Dahlia.

What is the Mexican Flower Dahlia, Mexico’s National Flower?

In 1963, the Mexican Flower Dahlia was designated as the “national flower”. It was called “acocoxóchitl” (hollow stems with water) by the Aztecs. Its petals and tubers are utilized in traditional medicine and cuisine in addition to its beautiful flower.

The National Union of Floriculturalists and Nurseries of Mexico, the Botanical Society of Mexico, the journal Excélsior, and other organizations petitioned President Adolfo López Mateos to declare the dahlia as the National Flower of Mexico on May 13, 1963. August 4th was declared National Dahlia Day by the Mexican Dahlia Society in 2007 to encourage the growing of this lovely flower that symbolizes Mexico globally.

Mexican Flower Dahlia has been prized for its forms, hues, and nutritional and therapeutic properties since pre-Hispanic times. Artists have used its petals to create cotton textile dyes, and houses and temples have been embellished with them or have replicated them in kitchenware and apparel.

Its petals and tubers were utilized in cooking, as fodder, and traditional healers discovered therapeutic applications for it.

Dahlia: The National Flower of Mexico

Mexican Flower Dahlia is native plant of our nation adds colour and beauty to gardens all across the world.

Native to Mexico, the dahlia is a stunning flower with a wide range of vibrant hues. Of the 43 recognized species, 35 are native to our nation, which is where the Aztecs domesticated, grew, crossed, and multiplied them to create the astounding diversity that graces gardens across Europe and the United States today.

Dahlia species are widely used as attractive plants around the world, particularly in the US and Europe, but they are also used more extensively in Mexico for medicinal, foraging, and edible purposes. The aforementioned provided justification for the 1963 presidential proclamation designating the Dahlia genus as Mexico’s national flower and emblem of horticulture.

What is the national flower of Mexico?

The Mexican Flower Dahlia is highly prized for its aesthetic appeal and holds great cultural and historical significance for Mexico. This flower has indeed been domesticated and grown since pre-Hispanic times. The image of this flower appears in petroglyphs and is depicted in several churches in the Xochimilco area as well as other structures across the nation. The dahlia is the national flower of Mexico and a plant endemic to the country.

Early History and Discovery of the Dahlia

In their publication, Plantae novae Hispaniae, botanists Mociño and Sessé identified dahlias as acocotli quauhnahuacensis between 1787 and 1803, during the Royal Botanical Expedition to New Spain.

However, in 1874, the Mexican flower seeds were delivered to the Botanical Garden of Madrid by Vicente Cervantes, the director of the Viceregal Botanical Garden of Mexico City. Father José Antonio Cavanilles nurtured the seeds and gave it the name Dahlia pinnata, in honour of the Swedish botanist Andreas Dahl.

The Mexican Flower Dahlia has attracted attention over the years. The Mexican Dahlia Society, or acocoxochit, was established on October 12, 1995, according to the Institute of Ecology (INECOL). This association’s primary goal is to encourage the cultivation of this plant by holding workshops. However, the same committee declared August 4 to be Mexico’s National Flower Day.

The Mexica are the ones who invented the term “dahlia.” It was they who called it acocoxóchitl (water-filled hollow stems) and xicamiti (sweet potato blossom). Its bulbous tuberous root is mentioned in the first name.

The Mexican Flower Dahlia is classified by INECOL as a member of the composite botanical family, which includes flowers that are made up of several different parts that combine to produce one single flower. Chrysanthemums, daisies, dandelions, and marigolds are a few examples of this kind of plant.

What Do Dahlias Look Like?

Single dahlias have flowers that resemble daisies with one row of petals encircling a center that contrasts. Dahlias with peony flowers have two or more rows of petals encircling the center. These plants might have normal or dark-colored foliage, and they are usually 2 to 3 feet tall.

Mexican Flower Dahlia usually look like a daisy flower It is classified as a variety of dahlia, but with narrow and elongated petals. Its size can be very varied, from a few centimeters to a meter in height.

The dahlia campanulata is one of the most beautiful endemic flowers in Mexico, its bell shape distinguishes it from the rest of its family, considering it as one of the most unique of its species.

Where Do Dahlias Grow?

Mexican Flower Dahlia is one of the most grown flowers worldwide, coming in second only to tulips in Holland, and it blooms primarily between June and October. Currently, its primary purpose is ornamental, though initiatives are underway in some Mexican Republic states to spread the Dahlia sweet potato throughout rural areas.

It was given the Nahuatl name atlcocotlixochitl or acocóxitl by the Mexica, which translates to “flower of water stems.” The flower that best represents Mexico is the dahlia.

What is the Cultural Significance of Dahlias in Mexico?

The dahlia was designated as the national flower of Mexico more than fifty years ago by the Botanical Society of Mexico and other organizations that focused on the natural resources of the state. Experts noted that dahlias are widely available, inexpensive, simple to grow, and possess an unparalleled and unique beauty.

This is how dahlias acquired the official floral seal of Mexico in 1963 when they were designated as the country’s national flower together with the marigold and poinsettia by presidential order.

Since dahlias are Mexico’s national flower and are ingrained in the nation’s history and customs, they have great cultural significance there.

The significance of dahlias dates back to the Aztec era when they were referred to as “Acocotli” or “Cocoxochitl.” Dahlias were grown by the Aztecs not just for their aesthetic value but also for their edible tubers, which served as a significant source of nourishment.

Dahlias are still widely used in Mexico today, especially on Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) celebrations when they decorate graves and altars as tributes to departed loved ones. Mexican folk arts like needlework and papel picado, which involve cutting paper, also feature vivid colours and complex designs.

Dahlias are admired for their beauty and diversity, with thousands of cultivars available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colours, in addition to their cultural significance. They are still a timeless representation of Mexican pride and ancestry.

Ancient Uses for the Dahlia

The Mexican Flower Dahlia has long been valued for its decorative attributes. A significant sum of money has been spent on Dahlia’s acquisitions over time. In Great Britain, the National Dahlia Society was established as early as 1780.

Mexico City, Tlaxcala, Nuevo León, Puebla, and the State of Mexico are the principal states that produce dahlias. The plant, whose roots resemble sweet potatoes and have both culinary and therapeutic properties, is currently being cultivated in rural regions to make tea from the bits of dahlia sweet potatoes, which those with diabetes can drink.

Mexican Flower Dahlia ancient uses are :

Food: Indigenous peoples, such as the Aztecs, cultivated the tubers of some dahlia species as a food source. They gathered and consumed these tubers, adding a starchy and nourishing element to their diet.

Medicine: The dahlia plant was used to treat a variety of illnesses in traditional medicine. It is said that dahlia concoctions were utilized by the Aztecs to treat neurological conditions including epilepsy. Dahlia leaves were also applied topically to treat wounds and skin irritations.

Uses in Ceremonial and Ritualistic Contexts: Dahlias were used in religious ceremonies and rituals by the Aztecs and other indigenous people of Mexico. The flowers had religious meaning and were frequently utilized as altar and sacred space decorations or donated to the gods during rituals.

Textile Dyeing: Conventional textile dyeing techniques made use of the vivid hues of dahlia petals. Natural dyes were extracted from the boiling petals and used to colour linens and garments.

Dahlias were prized for their beauty and ornamental value in addition to their utilitarian applications. They were grown in gardens and raised for their eye-catching blooms, which were used to decorate interior and outdoor settings.

Dahlias are still appreciated for their beauty, adaptability, and cultural significance in current times, even though some of their traditional functions have changed or disappeared over time.

Ancient Beliefs About the Dahlia

Since pre-Hispanic times, dahlias have been utilized to create ceremonies, decorate temples, and serve as an inspiration for jewellery and crafts. They were also added to food and medicine, as well as aromatic mixes. Dahlias make wonderful wedding table decorations for outdoor celebrations since they are robust and can tolerate heat and sunshine.

Dahlias originated in Mexico and other ancient Central American cultures, where these flowers were probably associated with mystical meaning. Their vivid hues and complex designs could have been seen as emblems of spiritual energy or as depictions of heavenly beauty.

Additionally, dahlias may have been associated with ideas of fertility, rebirth, and the cyclical nature of life, given the respect that ancient civilizations held for the natural world. Since they followed the path of the sun, which represents light, warmth, and life, it is possible that they were also connected to solar deities.

In addition, the belief in the protective characteristics of dahlias stemmed from their purported medicinal properties in traditional medicine, which may have inspired ancient peoples to use them in rituals or as offerings to fend off evil spirits or illnesses.

Although specific historical ideas around dahlias may not have been well documented, a variety of spiritual, symbolic, and utilitarian links were likely part of their cultural value.

Modern Uses for the Mexican Flower Dahlia

In addition to being an ornamental flower, the tubers and petals of the dahlia contain nutritional and medicinal properties.

Its fibre aids in reducing coughing and enhancing stomach functioning. According to certain research, inulin, which is present in tubers, helps control blood sugar levels and manage diabetes.

In addition to hosting workshops on production and maintenance, the Mexican Association of the Dahlia, or Acocoxóchitl, organizes culinary demonstrations using this flower.

Numerous pre-Hispanic dishes exist. The tuber boiled in maguey honey is called enmielado, and it’s quite tasty. There’s a nopales salad made with cooked dahlia tubers, fresh mozzarella, onion, tomato, cilantro, and salt.

In addition to spreading knowledge about the benefits of dahlias in several fields, the Association aims to support Mexican families’ economic growth in a variety of ways, including marketing, cuisine, and healthcare.

Dahlias are prized today mainly for their ornamental beauty and adaptability. Their vivid hues, varied forms, and extended flowering duration make them a well-liked option for landscapers, gardeners, and florists alike. Here are a few current applications for dahlias:

Gardening: Dahlias are grown in gardens all over the world because of their beautiful blooms. With thousands of varieties in a wide range of hues, shapes, and sizes, they provide countless design options for gardens. There is a dahlia to fit every garden style and size, ranging from small bedding types to enormous dinner-plate dahlias.

Cut Flowers: Because of their striking look and extended vase life, dahlias are in great demand as cut flowers. They are frequently used in ordinary bouquets as well as flower arrangements for weddings and other special occasions. Their vivid hues and complex forms give floral arrangements a touch of class and drama.

Dahlias are utilized in landscaping to bring colour and visual interest to public areas, parks, and commercial landscapes, in addition to gardens. To produce eye-catching floral arrangements, they can be planted in large quantities or combined with other flowering plants.

Dahlias are perfect for patios, balconies, and tiny gardens because they grow well in containers. Particularly well-suited for container gardening, compact or dwarf species offer vibrant bursts of colour in constrained areas.

Pollinator Gardens: Dahlias are a great addition to pollinator gardens because of their profusion of nectar and pollen, which draws in pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Gardeners can promote biodiversity and local pollinator populations by planting dahlias.

Cutting Gardens: Dahlias are a common planting in dedicated cutting gardens to provide a consistent supply of fresh flowers for cutting. By routinely gathering blooms from their cutting gardens, gardeners can enjoy dahlias in their homes throughout the growing season.

In general, dahlias are still prized for their elegance, variety, and versatility; they are used in contemporary floral design and horticulture for both decorative and functional reasons.

Where Does the Dahlia Appear in Mexican Culture?

The Mexican Flower Dahlia was designated as Mexico’s national flower on May 13, 1963. Several governmental and private organizations, including the Excélsior Newspaper and the National Union of Flower Growers and Nurseries, supported this project. Adolfo López Mateos, the former president, issued the proclamation designating this plant as a representation of Mexican floriculture on that particular day.

The dahlia’s location is rooted in a lengthy custom. The Mexica have been using this blossom as a decoration since pre-Hispanic times. During rituals, it was used to decorate houses and temples. Its domestication can be traced back to the ancient people of what is now Mexico, based on its cultivation, crossing, and regulated reproduction.

What Are the Other National Symbols of Mexico?

Mexico has a plethora of national emblems that capture the essence of both its natural beauty and cultural legacy. One of these symbols is the highly treasured Mexican flag, which has red, white, and green vertical stripes.

In the middle of the flag is the famous coat of arms, which has an eagle perched on a cactus eating a serpent. This emblem is a powerful representation of the Aztec tale that dates back to the founding of Mexico City.

The stirring national anthem, written by Jaime Nunó and composed by Francisco González Bocanegra, is a potent tribute to Mexican patriotism. The majestic golden eagle, which represents courage and tenacity, is widely recognized in national consciousness and is considered to represent the spirit of the country.

The Day of the Dead, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, is a moving celebration of lineage and custom, while the Jarabe Tapatío, or Mexican Hat Dance, is a beloved cultural treasure that captures the hearts of Mexicans.

The Aguila Real, Mexico’s national bird, is a piece of cultural fabric whose regal presence throughout art and mythology highlights its significance in Mexican identity. Together, these symbols capture the complex spirit of Mexico, fusing its customs, history, and culture into a dynamic whole.

Dahlia, the Representative Flower of Mexico.

Mexico is renowned for having some of the richest natural resources in the world, including ecosystems, vegetation, flora, and fauna. A tale is often embodied in the Mexican spirit through the variety of colours, sounds, and scents found in Mexican culture.

One of its depictions is the dahlia, which has been Mexico’s national flower since President Adolfo López Mateos designated it as a “Symbol of National Floriculture in all its species and varieties” in 1963. August 4 is designated as Dahlia National Day.

Characteristics of the Dahlia (Dahlia pinnata)

• The Dahlia plant belongs to Guatemala and Mexico. These plants are frequently seen in gardens due to their eye-catching and stunning blossoms.
• Dahlia blossoms can range in size from 2 to 12 inches in diameter and are available in a broad variety of hues, including white, pink, yellow, orange, red, and purple.
• The plants themselves come in a variety of sizes, from towering variants that can reach up to 6 feet tall to dwarf varieties that only reach 12 inches in height.
• The primary feature of the dahlia campanulata type of dahlias is their bell-shaped flowers, which have petals that bend downward and outward.
• These stunning blooms are highlighted in white and come in a variety of colours. In addition, its vivid green foliage accentuates the striking little blooms on it.
• The dahlia campanulata is ideal for indoor pots and your home garden since, with proper care, it can reach a height of about 1.5 meters.
• The dahlia campanulata is commonly used for flower arrangements and landscape design, and it is prized for its delicate and distinctive ornamental attractiveness.
• This dahlia type is a wonderful representation of the summer because it often blooms from the end of summer to the beginning of fall.

Dahlias Care And Maintenance

Location and lighting: Give your dahlias at least six hours of direct sunlight each day by planting them in a sunny spot. For best growth, full sun is preferred.

Soil: Fertile and well-drained soil is required. To enhance the retention of water and nutrients, use organic materials, like compost.

Watering: Do not overwater; dahlia roots will rot in too damp soil. Instead, keep the soil evenly moist. When necessary, especially in arid months, thoroughly water.

Planting your dahlias in a way that allows for adequate airflow between them will help prevent fungal illnesses.

Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer according to the needs of your flowers early in the growth season, and again in the middle.

Pruning: To promote ongoing flowering, trim spent flowers. To promote branching, you can also crimp the growth of immature plants.

Support: When the flowers are heavy, certain dahlia kinds, like dahlia campanulata, may need support to keep upright. To provide support for your seedlings, use stakes.

Winter: Dig the tubers before the first frost in areas where cold is a concern, allow them to dry for a few days, and then store them in a cool, dry location until the following growth season.

HOW DO YOU PLANT A DAHLIA BULB?

• Dahlia tubers do not thrive in cold soil, so avoid planting them too early.
• Dahlias should be planted in a sunny location.
  Plant in well-drained, rich soil.
• A little more space should be left around the root ball in the planting hole.
• Add a small amount of bone meal or compost while planting.
• It should be 6–8 inches deep in the hole. Turn the tubers over and cover with two to three inches of dirt.
• Cover with dirt as soon as the stems develop, allowing it to reach ground level.
  Taller dahlia types require support from stakes.

WHEN DO YOU DIG DAHLIA BULBS?

It is advised to remove them in the fall. There will be a greater possibility of getting them to bloom again in the spring if you do this. The first light frost of the season is usually the ideal time to dig out bulbs.

HOW TO TRANSPLANT A DAHLIA?

Spring is the ideal season. Learn how to correctly transplant a dahlia by following these steps:

• Split the tubers in half.
• Plant in garden soil or pots.
• Place the tubers 15 cm below the surface.
• Water the plant minimally at the time of planting and wait to water it again until it sprouts.

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