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Flower
Dahlia

Dahlias in West Wycombe

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.

Height100cm
SunlightFull Shade
WaterHigh Water

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.

The most common UK method, starting tubers indoors in spring and planting out after frosts for summer blooms.

  1. Start Tubers Indoors

    18 Mar – 1 Apr

    Place tubers in trays with moist compost, eye-side up, and cover lightly. Keep at in a bright spot indoors from 18th March - 1st April. Water sparingly until shoots appear.

  2. Pot On Shoots

    15 Apr – 22 Apr

    Once shoots are tall, pot each tuber into individual containers with multi-purpose compost from 15th April - 22nd April. Grow on in a bright, frost-free place.

  3. Harden Off Plants

    6 May – 13 May

    Gradually acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions over 10-14 days from 6th May - 13th May. Place outside during the day and bring in at night, avoiding frost.

  4. Plant Outdoors

    13 May – 27 May

    Transplant into well-drained, fertile soil in full sun after frosts from 13th May - 27th May. Space plants apart and water in well. Use fleece if cold nights are forecast.

  5. Support and Pinch

    27 May – 3 Jun

    Insert stakes at planting to support tall stems. Pinch out the growing tip when plants reach to encourage bushiness from 27th May - 3rd June.

  6. Feed and Water

    3 Jun – 18 Sept
    every 2 weeks

    Water regularly to keep soil moist, especially in dry spells. Feed every 14 days with a high-potash fertiliser from 3rd June to boost flowering. Stop feeding by 18th September.

  7. Deadhead Regularly

    15 Jul – 25 Sept

    Remove spent flowers weekly from 15th July to encourage continuous blooms. Cut back to a leaf joint to promote new buds.

  8. Lift and Store Tubers

    9 Oct – 23 Oct

    After the first frost blackens foliage, cut stems back and carefully lift tubers from 9th October - 23rd October. 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.

Also in nearby towns

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