Dahlia 'Explosion'

dahlia bulbs

size: 1 tuber

available to order from winter 2012

£3.99

add to wish list

• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, humus-rich soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July to October
• Hardiness: half hardy
  
  The large, fully double flowerheads grow to around 15cm across and are a rich blend of creamy yellow and red. The delicate shading of their petals gives the impression that they have been painted by hand, while their super-sized heads cant help but be noticed in the mixed or herbaceous border. They also make exceptional flowers for cut arrangements, lasting for ages if kept in a cool room.
  
  
• Garden care: Dahlia tubers can be planted outside after frost, or started off in pots under glass in late winter to early spring. Plant them horizontally approximately 12cm deep, making sure the ‘eyes’ are uppermost. Allow enough room between each tuber so the plants can grow and spread to their full size without being over-crowded. While in growth, provide a high-nitrogen liquid feed each week in June, then a high-potash fertiliser each week from July to September. Stake with canes or brushwood if it becomes necessary. In mild areas, leave them in situ over winter, but protect the crown with a generous layer of dry mulch. In colder areas, carefully lift and clean the tubers once the first frosts have blackened the foliage and allow them to dry naturally indoors. Then place the dry tubers in a shallow tray, just covered with slightly moist potting compost, sand or vermiculite and store in a frost-free place until planting out again.