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Dahlias in London

Dahlia pinnata

Dahlia
Flower Active in July

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
Add to garden

Growing Guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Dahlia

Planting Calendar

Seed IndoorLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
TransplantLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
FertiliseNow
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
PruneNow
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
MaintenanceLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

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. Sow Seeds Indoors

    15 Jan – 29 Jan

    Sow seeds thinly on the surface of moist seed compost in trays from 15th January - 29th January. Cover lightly and keep at in a bright spot. Germination takes 7-14 days.

  2. Prick Out Seedlings

    5 Feb – 12 Feb

    Once seedlings have true leaves, transplant into individual pots from 5th February - 12th February. Handle by leaves to avoid stem damage and grow on in good light.

  3. Harden Off Plants

    19 Mar – 26 Mar

    Acclimatise plants to outdoors over 10-14 days from 19th March - 26th March. Increase exposure gradually, protecting from frost and strong winds.

  4. Plant Outdoors

    26 Mar – 9 Apr

    Transplant into beds or containers after frosts from 26th March - 9th April. Space apart in full sun and water well. Use cloches if needed for early planting.

  5. Pinch for Bushiness

    16 Apr – 23 Apr

    Pinch out the growing tip when plants are tall from 16th April - 23rd April to encourage side shoots and more flowers.

  6. Water and Feed

    23 Apr – 7 Nov
    every 2 weeks

    Keep soil consistently moist. Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser every 14 days from 23rd April to support growth and flowering until 7th November.

  7. Deadhead Flowers

    11 Jun – 14 Nov

    Remove faded blooms regularly from 11th June 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.

Also in nearby towns

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