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
New
Dahlia
'Crazy Legs'
Some dahlias have perfectly behaved petals. Dahlia 'Crazy Legs' clearly has other ideas. Its wonderfully eccentric flowers feature narrow, twisting petals that curl and reach in different directions, creating a lively, almost dancing appearance. Warm shades of orange, coral and yellow mingle with rosy pink highlights, giving the blooms a bright, cheerful character. The irregular arrangement of the petals makes every flower look slightly different, adding to the charm of this unusual variety. Dahlia 'Crazy Legs' is particularly effective when planted among more conventional flower shapes, where its expressive blooms introduce movement and a playful sense of contrast. It is a dahlia that invites a second look, and quite possibly a smile.
In a sunny border, Dahlia 'Crazy Legs' brings a wonderfully informal quality to the planting. Its warm colouring combines beautifully with ornamental grasses, bronze foliage and flowers in deeper red or purple shades. The unusual petals also make it a fascinating addition to cut-flower arrangements, where even a single bloom can bring unexpected shape and character. Plant Dahlia 'Crazy Legs' in fertile, well-drained soil and water regularly during prolonged dry spells. Removing faded blooms encourages further flowering, helping to maintain the colourful display throughout summer and into autumn. For gardeners who appreciate flowers that are a little less predictable, Dahlia 'Crazy Legs' is a delightfully unconventional choice, full of personality from its colourful centre to the tips of its twisting petals.
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 'Crazy Legs'
- Flower colour
- Orange, peach, red, yellow
- Tuber size
- 1
- Established height
- 1-1.2m
- 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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