Zionsville, Indiana has century-long history with Dahlias!
There was a national craze for growing dahlias from the late 1920s through the early 1940s. In the 1920s, Zionsville was known as “The Dahlia City” because of the success of two local nurseries in growing dahlias. Tudor Gardens – located at what is now Fifth and Ash Streets and Parkway Gardens – located where Eagle Elementary currently stands. Fred Gresh, owner of Parkway Gardens, bred a dahlia that won a gold medal at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair. The dahlia was named Zion’s Pride.

In 2019, the Zionsville Cultural District (ZCD) began a revival of the town’s Dahlia history:
– Giving away free dahlia tubers to local gardeners
– Painting a dahlia-themed traffic control box on Zionsville Road
– Naming a new road on the south side of town Dahlia Drive
– Distributing free dahlia tubers at the Zionsville Trailfest and Farmers Market

2025 Dahlia Giveaway

The Zionsville Cultural District is pleased to announce its seventh annual Dahlia tuber giveaway. Begun in 2019, this initiative was created to bring attention to the town’s proud horticultural history when it was known as “Dahlia City”.
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Dahlia tubers will be distributed on Saturday May 17th, 2025 from 8 am to 11:30 am, one free tuber per family while supplies last. Dahlia tubers for distribution are purchased using donations and grants.

Distribution will take place at the Zionsville Farmers Market on Main Street. Information on growing techniques will be made available as well. There is a wide selection of colors, forms, and sizes of dahlias available.

The Zionsville Cultural District encourages local gardeners to grow dahlias as a way to beautify neighborhoods and highlight a significant segment of the town’s history. Recipients of the free tubers will be asked to bring their prized blooms back in late summer to share their form and beauty. This Dahlia Showcase will be on September 13th, 2025 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am at the Zionsville Farmer’s market.