Dahlias in Oxford
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
4 Mar – 18 MarSow seeds thinly on the surface of moist seed compost in trays from 4th March - 18th March. Cover lightly and keep at in a bright spot. Germination takes 7-14 days.
Prick Out Seedlings
25 Mar – 1 AprOnce seedlings have true leaves, transplant into individual pots from 25th March - 1st April. Handle by leaves to avoid stem damage and grow on in good light.
Harden Off Plants
6 May – 13 MayAcclimatise plants to outdoors over 10-14 days from 6th May - 13th May. Increase exposure gradually, protecting from frost and strong winds.
Plant Outdoors
13 May – 27 MayTransplant into beds or containers after frosts from 13th May - 27th May. Space apart in full sun and water well. Use cloches if needed for early planting.
Pinch for Bushiness
3 Jun – 10 JunPinch out the growing tip when plants are tall from 3rd June - 10th June to encourage side shoots and more flowers.
Water and Feed
10 Jun – 11 Octevery 2 weeksKeep soil consistently moist. Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser every 14 days from 10th June to support growth and flowering until 11th October.
Deadhead Flowers
29 Jul – 18 OctRemove faded blooms regularly from 29th 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.