Dahlias in Stirling
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
5 Mar – 19 MarSow seeds thinly on the surface of moist seed compost in trays from 5th March - 19th March. Cover lightly and keep at in a bright spot. Germination takes 7-14 days.
Prick Out Seedlings
26 Mar – 2 AprOnce seedlings have true leaves, transplant into individual pots from 26th March - 2nd April. Handle by leaves to avoid stem damage and grow on in good light.
Harden Off Plants
7 May – 14 MayAcclimatise plants to outdoors over 10-14 days from 7th May - 14th May. Increase exposure gradually, protecting from frost and strong winds.
Plant Outdoors
14 May – 28 MayTransplant into beds or containers after frosts from 14th May - 28th May. Space apart in full sun and water well. Use cloches if needed for early planting.
Pinch for Bushiness
4 Jun – 11 JunPinch out the growing tip when plants are tall from 4th June - 11th June to encourage side shoots and more flowers.
Water and Feed
11 Jun – 13 Septevery 2 weeksKeep soil consistently moist. Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser every 14 days from 11th June to support growth and flowering until 13th September.
Deadhead Flowers
30 Jul – 20 SeptRemove faded blooms regularly from 30th 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.
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Brussels Sprouts
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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.