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.
'Isa Candy'
Sweet by name and wonderfully rich in colour, Dahlia 'Isa Candy' brings a delicious blend of raspberry pink, coral and warm red to the summer garden. Its beautifully rounded decorative flowers are packed with overlapping petals, each one revealing subtle variations in colour. Warmer coral tones glow near the base, deepening towards rose-red and rich pink at the tips, while the tightly gathered centre adds another layer of intensity. The result is a flower that seems to change character with the light, sometimes appearing almost fuchsia, sometimes a softer, warmer pink. Measuring around 7cm across, the blooms have a beautifully balanced shape that makes Dahlia 'Isa Candy' particularly appealing for cutting. Even the red-tinged stems add to its colourful personality.
With its vibrant colouring, Dahlia 'Isa Candy' looks especially lovely alongside deep purple salvias, pale pink cosmos and airy ornamental grasses. Its neatly formed flowers also make beautiful additions to summer bouquets, where their rich pink shades bring warmth and depth to softer arrangements. Growing to around 80–85cm, Dahlia 'Isa Candy' is equally at home in a sunny border or a generous patio container. Give it fertile, well-drained soil, water during dry spells and remove faded flowers regularly to encourage fresh blooms from midsummer until the first autumn frosts. Start tubers under cover in spring or plant outdoors once frost has passed, lifting them for frost-free winter storage in colder UK gardens. Dahlia 'Isa Candy' is a cheerful reminder that summer colour needn't be complicated to be beautiful.
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 'Isa Candy'
- Flower colour
- Coral, pink
- 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
Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.