Dahlias in Bamford
Dahlia pinnata
Show-stopping tuberous perennials that provide a spectacular display of colour from mid-summer right up until the first frosts. Ranging from enormous 'dinner plate' blooms to intricate pompoms and open-centred varieties that bees adore, they are a staple of the late summer UK garden.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Dahlia
Planting Calendar
Growing Guide for
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The most common UK method, starting tubers indoors in spring and planting out after frosts for summer blooms.
Start Tubers Indoors
3 Mar – 17 MarPlace tubers in trays with moist compost, eye-side up, and cover lightly. Keep at in a bright spot indoors from 3rd March - 17th March. Water sparingly until shoots appear.
Pot On Shoots
31 Mar – 7 AprOnce shoots are tall, pot each tuber into individual containers with multi-purpose compost from 31st March - 7th April. Grow on in a bright, frost-free place.
Harden Off Plants
21 Apr – 28 AprGradually acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions over 10-14 days from 21st April - 28th April. Place outside during the day and bring in at night, avoiding frost.
Plant Outdoors
28 Apr – 12 MayTransplant into well-drained, fertile soil in full sun after frosts from 28th April - 12th May. Space plants apart and water in well. Use fleece if cold nights are forecast.
Support and Pinch
12 May – 19 MayInsert stakes at planting to support tall stems. Pinch out the growing tip when plants reach to encourage bushiness from 12th May - 19th May.
Feed and Water
19 May – 22 Septevery 2 weeksWater regularly to keep soil moist, especially in dry spells. Feed every 14 days with a high-potash fertiliser from 19th May to boost flowering. Stop feeding by 22nd September.
Deadhead Regularly
30 Jun – 29 SeptRemove spent flowers weekly from 30th June to encourage continuous blooms. Cut back to a leaf joint to promote new buds.
Lift and Store Tubers
13 Oct – 27 OctAfter the first frost blackens foliage, cut stems back and carefully lift tubers from 13th October - 27th October. Dry, label, and store in frost-free conditions in dry compost or sand over winter.
Companion Plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Dahlia.
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested Varieties
Popular varieties of Dahlia to consider
Bishop of Llandaff
A classic variety with dark foliage and bright red flowers, ideal for borders and excellent for pollinators.
Café au Lait
Popular for weddings, with large, creamy-pink blooms that can reach up to 25cm across.
Happy Days
A compact bedding type, perfect for containers, with prolific flowering in mixed colours.
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Garlic
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Basil
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