Bishop of Llandaff
A classic variety with dark foliage and bright red flowers, ideal for borders and excellent for pollinators.
Dahlias in Durham
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.
100 cm · Full Shade · High Water
Calibrated to Durham · last frost ≈ 10 May
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow indoors | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Plant out | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Growing guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Dahlia
Growing guide for
Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.
Growing dahlias from seed for bedding varieties, sown indoors in early spring for summer flowers.
01
Sow Seeds Indoors
15 Mar to 29 MarSow seeds thinly on the surface of moist seed compost in trays from 15th March - 29th March. Cover lightly and keep at in a bright spot. Germination takes 7-14 days.
02
Prick Out Seedlings
5 Apr to 12 AprOnce seedlings have true leaves, transplant into individual pots from 5th April - 12th April. Handle by leaves to avoid stem damage and grow on in good light.
03
Harden Off Plants
17 May to 24 MayAcclimatise plants to outdoors over 10-14 days from 17th May - 24th May. Increase exposure gradually, protecting from frost and strong winds.
04
Plant Outdoors
24 May to 7 JunTransplant into beds or containers after frosts from 24th May - 7th June. Space apart in full sun and water well. Use cloches if needed for early planting.
05
Pinch for Bushiness
14 Jun to 21 JunPinch out the growing tip when plants are tall from 14th June - 21st June to encourage side shoots and more flowers.
06
Water and Feed
21 Jun to 2 Oct every 2 weeksKeep soil consistently moist. Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser every 14 days from 21st June to support growth and flowering until 2nd October.
07
Deadhead Flowers
9 Aug to 9 OctRemove faded blooms regularly from 9th August to prolong flowering. Snip off just above a leaf node to encourage new buds.
Companion plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Dahlia.
Good companions
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
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.
Related plants
Explore similar plants you might like
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Calabrese
Sow indoors March to April, plant out May to June, harvest July to September. Frost risk October to May.
Dahlia guides by town
See how Dahlia timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.