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.
'Sandia Brocade'
An apricot flower with a rather unexpected centre, Dahlia 'Sandia Brocade' brings texture as well as colour to the summer border. A ring of broad petals in warm melon-orange and soft peach curves gently backwards, revealing a wonderfully intricate cushion of tightly packed, tubular florets. Their frilled tips give the golden-orange centre a slightly tousled look, almost like a little pincushion made of silk. It's the distinctive architecture of an anemone-flowered dahlia, and one that feels both playful and beautifully considered. Around 8–10cm across, the blooms are held above green foliage on dark, upright stems. Dahlia 'Sandia Brocade' has a soft, glowing palette that changes subtly as the light moves across its petals.
For a planting combination with plenty of contrast, tuck Dahlia 'Sandia Brocade' among blue salvias, bronze fennel and airy ornamental grasses. Its smaller, textured flowerheads are lovely for cutting, too, especially when paired with simpler flowers that let their unusual centres stand out. Growing to roughly 90–110cm, Dahlia 'Sandia Brocade' appreciates a sunny, sheltered position and fertile, well-drained soil. Pinch out the growing tips while plants are young to encourage branching, then keep picking or deadheading to prolong the flowering season. A little support will help keep the stems upright as the blooms arrive through summer and into autumn. With Dahlia 'Sandia Brocade', the most interesting details are right at the heart of the flower.
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 'Sandia Brocade'
- Flower colour
- Apricot, orange
- 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
Wildlife 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.