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
Dahlia
'Fairway Pilot'
Buckle up for an exhilarating ride as Dahlia 'Fairway Pilot' takes you through summer with big blooms in glorious sunrise shades. The enormous blooms are not only a sight for sore eyes in the garden, but a favourite among floral designers. A blend of soft colours, salmon-pink with undertones of coral, and a lovely, full and open flower which is reminiscent of a waterlily and spans up to 25cm across. It carries these incredible blooms close to its leafy foliage, which frames them beautifully. Like gently sunlit pink clouds, Dahlia 'Fairway Pilot' is perfect for creating a romantic and dreamy atmosphere in the garden, be it in borders or the cutting patch.
Dahlia 'Fairway Pilot' is a strong, robust grower, sending out long, sturdy stems to hold up those generous blooms. If planting in a mixed border, try combining it with plants in shades of purple, like Verbena bonariensis or Perovskia. Of course, it looks great mingling with other dahlias too, particularly in contrasting shapes, such as Dahlia 'Fancy Pants' or a pompon type like Dahlia 'Daisy Duke'. Regular deadheading through the season will ensure a good succession of flowers which last from summer into autumn.
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 'Fairway Pilot'
- Flower colour
- Salmon, pink
- Tuber size
- 1
- Established height
- 50-70m
- 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
Perfect for pots
Thrives in full sun
Perennial
Packed in paper
Low maintenance
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