Dahlias in Liverpool
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.
- Height
- 100cm
- Sunlight
- Full Shade
- Water
- High Water
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Dahlia
Planting Calendar
Growing Guide for
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Growing dahlias from seed for bedding varieties, sown indoors in early spring for summer flowers.
Sow Seeds Indoors
16 Feb – 2 MarSow seeds thinly on the surface of moist seed compost in trays from 16th February - 2nd March. Cover lightly and keep at in a bright spot. Germination takes 7-14 days.
Prick Out Seedlings
9 Mar – 16 MarOnce seedlings have true leaves, transplant into individual pots from 9th March - 16th March. Handle by leaves to avoid stem damage and grow on in good light.
Harden Off Plants
20 Apr – 27 AprAcclimatise plants to outdoors over 10-14 days from 20th April - 27th April. Increase exposure gradually, protecting from frost and strong winds.
Plant Outdoors
27 Apr – 11 MayTransplant into beds or containers after frosts from 27th April - 11th May. Space apart in full sun and water well. Use cloches if needed for early planting.
Pinch for Bushiness
18 May – 25 MayPinch out the growing tip when plants are tall from 18th May - 25th May to encourage side shoots and more flowers.
Water and Feed
25 May – 7 Novevery 2 weeksKeep soil consistently moist. Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser every 14 days from 25th May to support growth and flowering until 7th November.
Deadhead Flowers
13 Jul – 14 NovRemove faded blooms regularly from 13th 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.
Related Plants
Explore similar plants you might like
Basil
Basil is a fragrant, tender herb whose leaves are a staple of summer cooking. Native to tropical regions, basil is treated as an annual in temperate climates like the UK because it cannot tolerate frost. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions and can be grown in garden beds or pots for a steady supply of fresh, flavourful leaves throughout the summer.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a hardy winter brassica (cabbage family) that form sturdy, leafy stems often around 60–90cm tall. They produce edible mini-cabbage buds along the stem from autumn through winter. Thanks to their cold tolerance, sprouts remain productive into late winter, and frost actually improves their sweetness.
Calabrese
Calabrese (broccoli) produces a large central head of tightly-packed green buds, followed by smaller side-shoots after the main head is cut. It’s a cool-season brassica crop. Grow it in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and keep plants watered during dry spells. Harvest the heads while firm, then leave the stem in the ground to allow side-shoots to develop.
Also in nearby towns
See how Dahlia timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.