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 the UK
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
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow indoors | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Plant out | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
UK averages · set your town for dates worked out from your local frost records · how dates are worked out
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
Growing guide for the UK
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
early March to late March UK average · set your town for your exact datesSow thinly on moist seed compost from early March to late March. Cover lightly and keep at in the light. They take 7–14 days to come up.
02
Prick Out Seedlings
late March to mid-April UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stageOnce they have true leaves, pot them on from late March to mid-April. Hold the leaves, not the stem, and keep them in good light.
03
Harden Off Plants
early May to mid-May UK average · set your town for your exact datesHarden off from early May to mid-May over 10–14 days. Give them a little more outdoor time each day, and keep them off frost and strong wind.
04
Plant Outdoors
mid-May to late May UK average · set your town for your exact datesPlant out after frost from mid-May to late 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
late May to late June UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stageFrom late May to late June, pinch the growing tip when plants are so they make more shoots and flowers.
06
Water and Feed
early June to early October UK average · set your town for your exact dates 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 early June until early October.
07
Deadhead Flowers
late July to mid-October UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stageTake faded blooms off from late July, 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.
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