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
'Dolce Vera'
Some flowers make their impression with colour alone, but Dahlia 'Dolce Vera' has a little more going on. Its generously layered decorative blooms blend old-rose pink and warm apricot, while the tightly gathered inner petals deepen towards plum-purple. That darker heart gives each flower an unexpected sense of depth, particularly as the softer outer petals catch the afternoon light. The colouring is wonderfully changeable: one bloom may lean towards coral, another towards dusky raspberry. Measuring around 10–15cm across, the flowers are beautifully proportioned for cutting, with broad, overlapping petals that create a full but relaxed shape. Dahlia 'Dolce Vera' grows to approximately 100–120cm, bringing its distinctive colours to the garden from midsummer into autumn.
Try Dahlia 'Dolce Vera' with coppery grasses, pale apricot dahlias or deep burgundy foliage, which echoes the flower's rich centre. Its long stems also make it a lovely choice for bouquets, where those shifting shades bring character to even a simple arrangement. Plant Dahlia 'Dolce Vera' in fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny, sheltered position, adding support before the stems become heavy with flowers. Water during dry spells and pick or deadhead regularly to encourage more buds. Start tubers under cover in spring, or plant outside once the last frosts have passed. In colder UK gardens, lift and store them somewhere frost-free over winter. Dahlia 'Dolce Vera' has the sort of colour that rewards a second look.
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 'Dolce Vera'
- Flower colour
- Coral, pink, apricot
- 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
Farmer Gracy exclusive
Perennial
Packed in paper
Low maintenance
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