Dahlia Society of California, San Francisco

The first California chapter of the American Dahlia Society

EST. 1917

Photo by Cristina Carrizosa

A large group of people gathered around colorful dahlia flowers at the Dahlia Dell in Golden Gate Park.

DSCSF: Caretakers of the Dahlia Dell in Golden Gate Park

Society volunteers grow and maintain over 700 named dahlia varieties in this free 100 year old public garden.

The Dahlia: Celebrating 100 years as the Official Flower of San Francisco

A decorative illustration celebrating 100 years of Dahlia Society of California, featuring flowers, a house, a trolley, and the Golden Gate Bridge with text about the anniversary, 1926-2026.

The DSCSF is honored to kick off this landmark milestone with special events planned.

We have merch!

SF Centennial Unisex T-Shirt
$25.00

This t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for all.

  • T-Shirt Style: Unisex Staple T-Shirt | Bella + Canvas 3001

  • 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)

  • Fabric weight: 4.2 oz./yd.² (142 g/m²)

  • Pre-shrunk fabric

  • Side-seamed construction

  • Shoulder-to-shoulder taping

  • Blank product sourced from Nicaragua, Mexico, Honduras, or the US

  • Disclaimer: The fabric is slightly sheer and may appear see-through, especially in lighter colors or under certain lighting conditions.

Made to Order: This item is created after your order is placed, and will be printed and shipped via Printful. Making items only when they’re ordered helps reduce overproduction and waste — thank you for choosing a more sustainable way to shop.

Production: 2–5 business days (typically 3 days)
Shipping to USA: 1–8 business days

SF Centennial Apron
$30.00

This 100% organic cotton apron is great for the kitchen or the garden. Two front pockets and adjustable waist straps.

  • 100% organic cotton

  • Fabric weight: 7.08 oz/yd² (240 g/m²) 

  • Adjustable straps

  • Large front pocket in the front with 2 compartments

  • Blank product sourced from Bangladesh

Made to Order: This item is created after your order is placed, and will be printed and shipped via Printful. Making items only when they’re ordered helps reduce overproduction and waste — thank you for choosing a more sustainable way to shop.

Production: 2–5 business days (typically 3 days)
Shipping to USA: 1–8 business days

SF Centennial Unisex Premium Zip Hoodie
$35.00

This zip hoodie is soft, warm, and versatile enough for year-round layering. With its relaxed fit and clean design details, it’s the kind of hoodie you’ll reach for daily—whether you’re on the go or lounging at home.

  • Hoodie Style: Full Zip Hoodie | Lane Seven LS14003

  • Heather colors are 60% cotton, 40% recycled polyester

  • Fabric weight: 8.3 oz./yd.² (280 g/m²)

  • Relaxed fit

  • Three-panel hood with matching round drawcord

  • Zipper with auto-lock slider

  • Front kangaroo pockets

  • Ribbed cuffs and waistband

  • Blank product sourced from Pakistan

Made to Order: This item is created after your order is placed, and will be printed and shipped via Printful. Making items only when they’re ordered helps reduce overproduction and waste — thank you for choosing a more sustainable way to shop.

Production: 2–5 business days (typically 3 days)
Shipping to USA: 1–8 business days

SF Centennial Stainless Steel Water Bottle
$25.00

Stay hydrated all day with this 32 oz (950 ml) water bottle. It’s ideal for workouts or busy days in the garden, with a wide-mouth foldable straw for spill-free sipping and a rotating handle for easy carrying. Hand-wash only.

  • Double-walled stainless steel with vacuum insulation

  • Plastic lid and wide-mouth foldable straw

  • 32 oz. (950 ml)

  • Height: 9.92″ (25.2 cm)

  • Diameter: 3.54″ (9 cm)

  • Glossy finish

  • Rotating handle

  • Comes with an anti-slip patch

  • Blank product sourced from China

  • Disclaimer: Hand-wash only. Not dishwasher or microwave safe.

Made to Order: This item is created after your order is placed, and will be printed and shipped via Printful. Making items only when they’re ordered helps reduce overproduction and waste — thank you for choosing a more sustainable way to shop.

Production: 2–5 business days (typically 3 days)
Shipping to USA: 1–8 business days

Upcoming Events:

Two people, a Erik Gaensler and Deborah Dietz, are standing in a garden filled with pink, orange, and yellow dahlia flowers. Both are smiling and wearing  t-shirt that says 'California' and references dahlia shows.

Monthly Member Meeting

Tuesday, July 14, 2026
7:30PM–9PM

County Fair Building (Classroom), Golden Gate Park

Private Event: DSCSF Members Only

The Dahlia Society of California meets the second Tuesday of every month, except January. We learn what to do (and what not to do) with our tubers and dahlias from the experts in our society. Members can attend in person or on Zoom.

July Program:

  • Dahlia Show Preparation:

    • Staging tips

    • What to show

    • How to read DSC’s Show Schedule

    • Where to get the information you need

    • How to fill out an entry form 

  • Who will bring yummies to share with your fellow dahlianeers?

People browsing flower arrangements at an indoor event, with a table of various colorful flowers and signs indicating different categories.

Annual Dahlia Show

August 15-16, 2026
Sat: 10AM to 5PM
Sun: 10AM to 4PM

Hall of Flowers, Golden Gate Park

Public Event: FREE ADMISSION

Each summer, on the third weekend in August, the Dahlia Society of California, San Francisco draws thousands of visitors to its annual show and competition in the enormous Hall of Flowers. Growers from all over the state bring their best blooms. Blooms in all categories are judged and awarded ribbons, including the elusive “Best in Show.” Other categories: Best Photo; People’s Choice Award; Best Arrangement; Best Junior Bloom; and “Nature’s Oddities.”

You must be a dahlia society member to compete, but the public is welcome to see this eye-popping event.

Dell Celebration

Sunday, September 13, 2026

Dahlia Dell, Golden Gate Park

Public Event: 10am – Noon
Private Event: Noon – 2pm

Save the Date!

Details coming soon.

Est. 1917

“… to unite ALL parties acceptable to one another without regard to sex, occupation or profession, who feel an interest in Dahlia culture, especially for its own sake; … to work together in a spirit of helpfulness and co-operation; to the end that public taste may be stimulated, our homes made more attractive and beautiful, and that the glory of our state may be magnified”.

Membership

DSC member volunteering at the Dell

We are always looking for volunteers to help us maintain the Dahlias located at the Dell in Golden Gate Park.

You must be a member to volunteer.

Learn more about the Dell.

Volunteer at the Dell

Celebrate diversity, plant dahlias

Learn from some of the most knowledgeable Dahlia growers and hybridizers in the world, get tips for growing in our unique Bay Area climate, and connect with other local dahlia growers. All levels are welcome!

Become a Member

Noteworthy:

Thank you!

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Thank you! 〰️

Poster for the Dahlia Society of California's Tuber and Plant Sale on April 25, 2026, featuring a large red and white dahlia flower with green foliage in the background, with QR code, social media handle, and website URL.

A smiling Lou Paradise, hybridizer of our flower of the year: Skip to My Lou

An Amazing Tuber & Plant Sale!

What an amazing turnout! Thank you to everyone who came out on 4/25 to support our dahlia society. True to form, we sold out by noon.

We can’t wait to see pics of the dahlias you’ll be growing, please send them our way. Reminder, if you want to compete in our annual dahlia show, you must be a member of DSCSF.

A large red dahlia flower with a long stem against a blue background, with the word 'DAHLIA' written below it.

Kickstarter for “DAHLIA” book, fully funded!

DAHLIA is a hardcover photobook exploring the flowers of Golden Gate Park’s Dahlia Dell through color, form, and abstraction. Created over months of close observation, it reflects both the blooms and the community that cares for them.

By, Cristina Carrizosa (DSCSF member and Dell volunteer)

Our Partners

Logo of the American Dahlia Society featuring a purple daisy-like flower and text indicating it was founded in 1918.
Logo for San Francisco Recreation & Parks featuring a person swinging on a swing set with trees in the background.