Bishop of Llandaff
A classic variety with dark foliage and bright red flowers, ideal for borders and excellent for pollinators.
When to plant Dahlias in London
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 Sun · High Water
Calibrated to London · average last frost around 4 Apr
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow indoors | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Plant out | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
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
7 Feb to 21 FebSow thinly on moist seed compost from 7th February - 21st February. Cover lightly and keep at in the light. They take 7–14 days to come up.
02
Prick Out Seedlings
21 Feb to 14 Mar Dates as each sowing reaches this stageOnce they have true leaves, pot them on from 21st February - 14th March. Hold the leaves, not the stem, and keep them in good light.
03
Harden Off Plants
4 Apr to 18 AprHarden off from 4th April - 18th April over 10–14 days. Give them a little more outdoor time each day, and keep them off frost and strong wind.
04
Plant Outdoors
18 Apr to 2 MayPlant out after frost from 18th April - 2nd May, in beds or pots. Space cm apart in full sun and water in. Use a cloche if a cold night is coming.
05
Pinch for Bushiness
2 May to 23 May Dates as each sowing reaches this stageFrom 2nd May - 23rd May, pinch the growing tip when plants are so they make more shoots and flowers.
06
Water and Feed
9 May to 27 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 2 weeksKeep the soil moist. Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser every 14 days from 9th May until 27th October.
07
Deadhead Flowers
27 Jun to 3 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stageTake faded blooms off from 27th June, snipping just above a leaf node so new buds follow.
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
Basil
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Brussels Sprouts
Sow indoors February to March, plant out April to May, harvest October to March. Typical frost risk November to April.
Calabrese
Sow indoors February to March, plant out April to May, harvest June to August. Typical frost risk November to April.
Dahlia guides by town
See how Dahlia timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.