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
'Nicholas'
Apricot, peach and a little unexpected coral-red give Dahlia 'Nicholas' a wonderfully distinctive colour palette. Its generously layered decorative flowers open in warm shades of peachy orange, with delicate golden-yellow streaks running along the petals and deeper reddish markings tucked towards their bases. As each bloom unfolds, the broad, gently twisting petals reveal a beautifully relaxed shape, almost reminiscent of a waterlily. The colours vary subtly with the light, sometimes appearing soft salmon-pink, sometimes a much richer coppery orange. Reaching around 14–15cm across, the flowers have plenty of presence without looking overly formal. Dahlia 'Nicholas' carries its glowing blooms above fresh green foliage on sturdy, dark-tinged stems, bringing warmth and colour to the garden from midsummer into autumn.
Those beautifully blended shades make Dahlia 'Nicholas' especially appealing for cutting, with flowers that look lovely alongside cream dahlias, dusty pink cosmos and deep purple salvias. In the garden, try planting it among airy ornamental grasses, where its softly coloured blooms can catch the afternoon sunshine. Growing to around 90–120cm, Dahlia 'Nicholas' appreciates a sunny, sheltered position in fertile, well-drained soil, with support for its flowering stems. Water during dry spells and pick regularly to encourage fresh buds throughout the season. The long, strong stems are particularly useful for bouquets, while the changing colours bring a natural sense of variety to every arrangement. Dahlia 'Nicholas' makes late summer look particularly inviting.
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 'Nicholas'
- Flower colour
- Orange, salmon, coral, peach
- 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
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