Dahlias in Wenfordbridge
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.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Dahlia
Planting Calendar
Growing Guide for
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The most common UK method, starting tubers indoors in spring and planting out after frosts for summer blooms.
Start Tubers Indoors
25 Jan – 8 FebPlace tubers in trays with moist compost, eye-side up, and cover lightly. Keep at in a bright spot indoors from 25th January - 8th February. Water sparingly until shoots appear.
Pot On Shoots
22 Feb – 1 MarOnce shoots are tall, pot each tuber into individual containers with multi-purpose compost from 22nd February - 1st March. Grow on in a bright, frost-free place.
Harden Off Plants
15 Mar – 22 MarGradually acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions over 10-14 days from 15th March - 22nd March. Place outside during the day and bring in at night, avoiding frost.
Plant Outdoors
22 Mar – 5 AprTransplant into well-drained, fertile soil in full sun after frosts from 22nd March - 5th April. Space plants apart and water in well. Use fleece if cold nights are forecast.
Support and Pinch
5 Apr – 12 AprInsert stakes at planting to support tall stems. Pinch out the growing tip when plants reach to encourage bushiness from 5th April - 12th April.
Feed and Water
12 Apr – 11 Novevery 2 weeksWater regularly to keep soil moist, especially in dry spells. Feed every 14 days with a high-potash fertiliser from 12th April to boost flowering. Stop feeding by 11th November.
Deadhead Regularly
24 May – 18 NovRemove spent flowers weekly from 24th May to encourage continuous blooms. Cut back to a leaf joint to promote new buds.
Lift and Store Tubers
2 Dec – 16 DecAfter the first frost blackens foliage, cut stems back and carefully lift tubers from 2nd December - 16th December. Dry, label, and store in frost-free conditions in dry compost or sand over winter.
Companion Plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Dahlia.
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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Garlic
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Basil
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