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
'Great Hercules'
Named for a legendary strongman, Dahlia 'Great Hercules' has a surprisingly gentle side. Its enormous decorative flowers unfold in warm apricot and mellow bronze-orange, with delicate pink undertones that become more noticeable as the petals open. Look closely and the broad, slightly twisted petals are far from uniform, their softly ruffled edges giving each flower a wonderfully relaxed, tousled appearance. The blooms typically reach around 18–20cm across, making them impressively large without looking heavy or rigid. Held above fresh green foliage on tall, sturdy stems, they appear from midsummer until the first autumn frosts. Growing to around 100–120cm, Dahlia 'Great Hercules' brings generous proportions to the border, while its beautifully subtle colouring keeps everything in harmony.
Give Dahlia 'Great Hercules' a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil and sturdy support for those substantial flowerheads. Its peachy tones look particularly lovely alongside deep plum salvias, coppery grasses and creamy dahlias, where the large blooms can be admired without competing for attention. The long stems also make Dahlia 'Great Hercules' an excellent cut flower, whether gathered into loose garden bouquets or displayed individually in a simple vase. Water during dry weather and pick or deadhead regularly to encourage new flowers well into autumn. Start tubers under cover in spring or plant outside once frost has passed, then lift and store them somewhere frost-free in colder UK gardens. Dahlia 'Great Hercules' proves that strength and softness can make a rather beautiful partnership.
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 'Great Hercules'
- Flower colour
- Orange, apricot
- 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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