Dahlia

Dahlia Dark Desire

• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, humus-rich soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July to September
• Hardiness: half hardy



An unusual single dahlia, more delicate in appearance than most, this has dark chocolate-red petals surrounding distinctive, sulphur-yellow stamens. The stems are dark and wiry, and the foliage a lovely green-bronze. A superb variety that looks at home in many different situations, especially in a 'hot' border. It needs a sunny site with fertile, humus-rich soil and makes an excellent cut flower.

Garden care: Stake with canes or brushwood as it becomes necessary. Deadhead and feed regularly to prolong flowering. Provide a high-nitrogen liquid feed each week in June, then a high-potash fertiliser each week from July to September. Once the first frosts have blackened the foliage, carefully lift and clean the tubers and allow them to dry naturally indoors. Place the dry tubers in a shallow tray, just covered with slightly moist potting compost, sand or vermiculite. Store in a frost-free place, checking frequently over the winter months. In warmer areas, tubers may be left to overwinter in the ground, although they may suffer from slug damage, particularly in heavy clay soils.

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