News: Spectacular Dahlias

Spectacular Dahlias

Dahlias are proving as popular as ever for few other plants give the gardener more spectacular rewards. There is hardly a gardening program or magazine that does not feature dahlias. When all else fails they are the dependable fallback. Relatively inexpensive, they produce nice bushy plants which bloom consistently throughout the summer until the first autumn frost. Whatever your requirements, there is a dahlia to suit. They make outstanding border and container plants of dazzling colour and foliage, varying in size from the dwarf varieties to those growing to over a metre tall.

Dahlias originate on volcanic well-drained Mexican hillsides. They enjoy moisture retentive but freely drained soil, plenty of sunshine and protection from cold winds. Try to incorporate these conditions into your dahlia plan. While they will grow in practically any soil extra care will produce better plants.

Planting

Dahlias can be planted out as soon as the risk of frost has passed. This is always tricky to forecast, even for the met office. Late frosts are always a possibility so make sure you have some frost protection to hand, old boxes or upturned pots work well. Below are a few cultural instructions to remember when making your dahlia plan. The advice does not change year on year but use this summary as a quick reminder. I will try and remember a more detailed email is due closer to planting out time.

• Dahlias will perform best in full or partial sun. Avoid a shady position. For the border choose varieties that will be tall enough not to be in the shade of other plants. The shorter bedding dahlias will do best at the front of the border.

• Dahlias are heavy feeders and require a rich well drained soil, add plenty of garden compost a week or so before planting. Give them plenty of room from competing plants, about 90cm apart for the giants, 60cm for the medium sized and 30cm for the dwarfs.

• When planting lightly fork the soil and rake in a top dressing of bone meal. Plant the tubers a minimum of 10-15cm deep. If you have a sufficient depth of topsoil 20cm would be ideal. This will help protect against a late frost and ensure the plant has sufficient moisture.

If you're going to be in the area please visit our Dahlia Show at Pashley Manor in September.