Dahlia - Care Guide

The limited number of dahlias which Burncoose stocks are smaller growing, single, waterlily or peony flowered varieties, suitable for summer bedding, patio planters and uses in the front of a herbaceous border to brighten up the summer season. These are not the more specialised larger growing varieties which mainly flower in the autumn season and are usually sold in the spring as large dry tubers. Our plants are pot grown and, although they are still tuberous plants, they do not need the same specialised care and attention (especially staking) which larger growing border dahlias demand. Ours should be viewed as ‘border’ dahlias.

Border dahlias benefit greatly from deadheading. Bushiness in individual plants can be achieved simply by pinching out the new growth shoots. They need no staking as they will not grow tall enough. A high nitrogen liquid feed weekly in early summer followed by potash fertiliser weekly will greatly improve their overall performance in the summer season and on into autumn. Full sun is advisable.

These dahlias can be left in the ground over winter but a good mulching will prevent any frost damage to the tubers. Planting them about 6in deep will help. All dahlias are attractive to slugs and snails and the problem will need to be dealt with especially as the shoots emerge in spring and after wet weather. Tubers can be lifted and divided in spring.

D. ‘Arabian Knight’ has a crimson-red flower. Height 30in.

D. ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ has black-red foliage and scarlet semi-double flowers. Height 36in.

D. ‘Fascination’ is a dwarf bedding dahlia with bronze leaves and pale purple-pink peony flowers. Height 24in.

D. ‘Knockout’ has bright yellow ribbed sunflower like blooms with red centres. Black foliage. Height 24in.
 

D. ‘Moonfire’ is an early season flowerer with bronze foliage and single deep golden yellow flower heads. Height 30in.

 

D. ‘Roxy’ is another early flowerer dwarf bedding dahlia with single flowers of lilac and purple over bronze foliage. Height 24in.