Dahlias in Leeds

Dahlia pinnata

Dahlia
Dahlia · 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

Add to garden

Calibrated to Leeds · last frost ≈ 24 Apr

Sow indoors February to March, plant out May. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo

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.

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds Indoors

    27 Feb to 13 Mar

    Sow seeds thinly on the surface of moist seed compost in trays from 27th February - 13th March. Cover lightly and keep at in a bright spot. Germination takes 7-14 days.

  2. 02

    Prick Out Seedlings

    20 Mar to 27 Mar

    Once seedlings have true leaves, transplant into individual pots from 20th March - 27th March. Handle by leaves to avoid stem damage and grow on in good light.

  3. 03

    Harden Off Plants

    1 May to 8 May

    Acclimatise plants to outdoors over 10-14 days from 1st May - 8th May. Increase exposure gradually, protecting from frost and strong winds.

  4. 04

    Plant Outdoors

    8 May to 22 May

    Transplant into beds or containers after frosts from 8th May - 22nd May. Space apart in full sun and water well. Use cloches if needed for early planting.

  5. 05

    Pinch for Bushiness

    29 May to 5 Jun

    Pinch out the growing tip when plants are tall from 29th May - 5th June to encourage side shoots and more flowers.

  6. 06

    Water and Feed

    5 Jun to 19 Oct every 2 weeks

    Keep soil consistently moist. Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser every 14 days from 5th June to support growth and flowering until 19th October.

  7. 07

    Deadhead Flowers

    24 Jul to 26 Oct

    Remove faded blooms regularly from 24th July 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

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.

Dahlia guides by town

See how Dahlia timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.