Often referred to as ‘Cactus Dahlias’, these tender perennials bear double blooms, with very narrow petals that are rolled from base to tip, tapering at the tip, (sometimes the petals fold backwards). This gives the flower a spiky effect, resembling cactus quills. Flowers can be small or large and are much appreciated by floral designers for their sculptural impact. 

• Half-Hardy
• Flowering Period: June- October

• Any fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil
• Full Sun / Partial Shade
• Sheltered
• Plant outside after risk of frost has passed, 15cm deep, 60cm apart; or start off in pots under glass in late winter to early spring. For early flowering, tubers may be started off in individual pots under glass from March. Once the last of the frosts have passed in mid to late May your dahlias can be transferred into the garden.

Feed weekly, and water well in hot weather. The tall flower stems will require staking and tying in, but this is well worth the trouble for the magnificent display that they produce. To encourage flowers, keep picking! Lift the tubers once the foliage has died back and store in a frost-free location in slightly moist sand or compost.