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
Although their pointed petals give cactus dahlias their name, there is nothing remotely spiky about these garden charmers. These mixed cactus dahlias bring a sense of energy and movement to summer borders, with narrow, rolled petals radiating outwards in joyful starbursts. Held on tall, upright stems, the blooms feel light and animated, even when they reach an impressive size. The colour range is gloriously bold, spanning fiery reds, glowing oranges, vivid pinks, sunny yellows and softer pastel tones, often all within the same planting. In flower arrangements, cactus dahlias add texture and drama without heaviness, lending a sculptural quality that feels both contemporary and exuberant. Their distinctive form makes them instantly recognisable, yet endlessly engaging from every angle.
In the garden, cactus dahlias are pleasingly straightforward to grow, rewarding even modest care with a long season of colour from midsummer into autumn. Because the blooms are generously sized, a little staking is advisable; if supports are positioned at planting time, the foliage quickly grows up to conceal them. Mixed cactus dahlias look particularly effective planted in groups, where their lively shapes and colours can play off one another, though they are equally adept at weaving through mixed borders. Once the plants die back and become dormant, lifting and storing the tubers allows you to enjoy their performance again the following year. Bold, reliable and full of personality, cactus dahlias offer maximum impact with very little fuss.
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 collection 'Cactus Mixed'
- Flower colour
- Red, yellow, pink, orange, white
- Tuber size
- 1
- Established height
- 70cm-1m
- Established spread
- 30-50cm
- 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
- 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
Top-size tubers
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Dahlia collection 'Cactus Mix' reviews
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