Dahlia 'Chat Noir'

dahlia black cat bulbs

size: 1 tuber

available to order from summer 2012

£3.99 £1.99

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• Position: full sun
• Soil: fertile, humus-rich soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July to October
• Hardiness: half hardy
  
  A sumptuous cactus dahlia with garnet-red flowers (up to 15cm across), which have a near-black centre. The fully double flowers have long and narrow, pointed petals that recurve for more half their length. This dahlia looks great planted in bold groups in a sunny, sheltered border or as part of an exotic scheme. The flowers appear from July until the first frosts, and make excellent cut flowers.
  
  
• 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.