Fabulous Dahlias

For colour from mid summer until the first frosts they are hard to beat.

Cafe au Lait

It is fair to say that these beautiful, blowzy plants have spent some time in the fashion doldrums, but they are now experiencing a definite come back! For colour from mid summer until the first frosts they are hard to beat. Originally from Mexico, there are over 50,000 different dahlias available in a range of shapes, sizes and colours. A wonderful addition to any summer border, they also provide superb cutting blooms. Incredibly easy to grow in almost any reasonable soil, all they ask is to be kept moist.

Plant the tubers as the soil is starting to warm in March, the plants will grow very quickly, stake the larger varieties taking care not to damage the tuber. Pinching out the growing tip of each stem will encourage bushing, alternatively – if you want a single stem, removing the two side buds will concentrate the plant’s energy into the remaining flower. Store in a cool, dry spot over winter and your dahlias will perform again the following year!

Akita

Look out for earwigs particularly as the flowers develop, they love to eat the blooms. Put an upturned pot, filled with straw on top of a cane amongst the plants and empty the residents daily! To avoid ‘Dahlia Smut’ (round brown markings on the lower leaves) make sure you don’t grow dahlias in the same place each year.

Franz Kafka