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
'Silver Antique'
The softest colours can be the hardest to describe, and Dahlia 'Silver Antique' is a lovely example. Its beautifully rounded flowers open in creamy ivory-white, with a delicate silvery sheen that lends each bloom an almost porcelain-like appearance. Broad outer petals overlap in generous layers, while smaller, gently cupped petals gather around a softly glowing cream centre. Depending on the light, the flowers can appear almost pure white or reveal the faintest hint of blush, giving them a wonderfully subtle, antique character. Measuring around 12–13cm across, these fully double decorative blooms are substantial without feeling oversized. Carried on upright stems above fresh green foliage, Dahlia 'Silver Antique' brings a lovely sense of calm to the colourful late-summer garden.
A few stems of Dahlia 'Silver Antique' make a beautiful starting point for a bouquet, where its gentle colouring complements dusty pinks, lavender and soft green foliage. In borders, try it alongside deep purple salvias, airy ornamental grasses or richer burgundy dahlias, allowing those pale flowers to bring light into the planting. Growing to around 100–110cm, Dahlia 'Silver Antique' appreciates a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil and support for its flowering stems. Water during dry spells and pick or remove faded blooms regularly to encourage fresh flowers from midsummer until 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. Dahlia 'Silver Antique' proves that a gentle colour can leave a lasting impression.
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 'Silver Antique'
- Flower colour
- White, silver
- 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
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