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
'Funky Island'
Forget perfect symmetry. Dahlia 'Funky Island' has a much more imaginative approach to arranging its petals, creating generously sized flowers with a wonderfully relaxed, almost sculptural appearance. Broad petals twist, curl and overlap in irregular layers, revealing a beautiful mixture of coral pink, warm apricot, soft peach and pale buttery yellow. The colours seem to drift across each bloom, sometimes gathering more deeply towards the centre and sometimes fading into delicate pastel shades at the edges. Reaching approximately 19cm across, these large decorative flowers have plenty of presence without looking overly formal. The natural variations in petal shape make each bloom slightly different, giving Dahlia 'Funky Island' the sort of individuality that rewards a closer look. Against fresh green foliage, those warm colours are particularly lovely in the softer light of late summer.
Dahlia 'Funky Island' brings a little unexpected character to a sunny border, especially alongside deep purple salvias, coppery grasses and cream-coloured flowers. Its substantial blooms are also excellent for cutting, adding unusual texture and warm colour to loosely arranged bouquets. Growing to around 100–120cm, Dahlia 'Funky Island' appreciates a sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil and sturdy support for its generous flowerheads. Water during dry spells and remove fading blooms regularly to encourage fresh flowers until the first autumn frosts. Start the tubers under cover in spring, or plant outside once frost has passed, lifting them for frost-free winter storage in colder UK gardens. For anyone who appreciates flowers with a little artistic freedom, Dahlia 'Funky Island' makes a wonderful addition to the summer garden.
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 'Funky Island'
- Flower colour
- Coral, pink, yellow, peach
- 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
Top-size tubers
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