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
Deluxe
Dahlia
'Speech'
Unapologetically showy and flamboyant, anemone-flowered dahlias such as Dahlia 'Speech' are the birds of paradise of this genus. The powder puff centre of this bright crimson variety consists of many densely packed, tubular florets, and is surrounded by large petals with feathery white appendages. We have seen Dahlia 'Speech' used to stunning effect as the only red in a purple scheme, woven through plants such as Verbena bonariensis, Eryngium 'Victory Blue', and Salvia 'Amethyst', with the buff-coloured grass Pennisetum 'Fairy Tales' to add lightness and movement. Divine!
The flowers of Dahlia 'Speech' are attractive to pollinators and provide a welcome source of nectar from early summer until the first frosts. They are also highly valued by florists due to a particularly impressive vase life. Picking first thing in the morning or later in the evening (when moisture levels are high) will help cut flowers last even longer.
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 'Speech'
- Flower colour
- Crimson, red
- 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
Good for cutting
Thrives in full sun
Perennial
Packed in paper
Low maintenance
Top-size tubers
-20%
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Sale price
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Allium 'Purple Sensation'
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Fritillaria meleagris 'Mix'
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Sale price
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Tulip 'Queen of Night'
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£5.52
Sale price
£6.90
-30%
Narcissus 'Double Mixed'
Regular price
£5.25
Sale price
£7.50
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