Dahlias are half hardy, so keep them protected from frost. Pot tubers individually between February and April and grow them on in a greenhouse or bright indoor position. Alternatively, start them outside in May, once the risk of frost has passed.
Out of season
Deluxe
Turn heads with the striking beauty of Dahlia 'Chat Noir', a dahlia variety that exudes sophistication and drama. Its large, semi-cactus blooms unfurl in rich, velvety shades of deep red, almost black, creating a mesmerising focal point in any garden. Perfect for those seeking a touch of mystery, this dahlia brings a sense of elegance and intrigue wherever it’s planted. Dahlia 'Chat Noir' thrives in sunny borders, where its tall, sturdy stems can reach up to 1.2 metres, making it ideal for the back of garden beds or as part of a statement planting scheme. These captivating blooms aren’t just a garden highlight—they also make fabulous cut flowers, adding a bold touch to floral arrangements.
From midsummer until the first frosts, Dahlia 'Chat Noir' provides a spectacular display of flowers that contrast beautifully with its dark green foliage. Its long flowering season and low maintenance needs make it a favourite among gardeners who want maximum impact with minimum fuss. Whether you’re looking to add a dash of drama or create a sultry, sophisticated garden vibe, Dahlia 'Chat Noir' is the perfect choice. Pair it with lighter-coloured blooms for a stunning contrast, or let it shine solo in all its moody splendour!
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
For planting out later, use a snug-fitting 15–20cm pot filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. For a patio display, plant directly into a container at least 30cm wide and keep it somewhere bright and frost free until it can move outdoors.
Position the old stem facing upwards, with the tubers covered and the stem stump level with the compost. Tubers naturally vary in size and shape and may arrive without visible buds. Bent necks are usually fine if they remain firmly attached, so do not remove them.
Water after planting, then allow the compost to become almost dry before watering again while the tuber remains dormant. Once shoots and leaves are growing strongly, water more regularly, always allowing excess water to drain away.
Plant out after the last frost, once the plant is around 20–30cm tall and its roots hold the compost together. Space dahlias approximately 30–50cm apart in borders, allowing less room for compact varieties. Water thoroughly after planting.
Water regularly during active growth and deadhead or cut flowers often. Dahlias usually bloom from July or August until the first frost, although later-planted tubers may start in late August or September. In autumn, lift, clean and dry the tubers, then store them somewhere cool, dry, airy and frost free.
- Botanical name
- Dahlia 'Chat Noir'
- Flower colour
- Red, near-black
- Tuber size
- 1
- Established height
- 1.2-1.5m
- Established spread
- 50-70cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Half hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant spacing
- 5 tubers per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- No
- RHS Award (AGM)
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Coastal gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1st year
Good for cutting
Thrives in full sun
Perennial
Packed in paper
Low maintenance
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Dahlia 'Chat Noir' reviews
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