DAHLIA COLLARETTE DANDY IMPROVED

Dwarf plants each with a contrasting central collar of 'petalettes'. Very distinctive and becoming popular again.

Bright and flamboyant, Dahlias are popular bedding and cutting flowers. Dahlias flower especially well towards the Autumn, they will produce a tuber to survive the Winter, but are generally treated as Annuals.

Dahlia seed is quite large and can be sown individually to prevent over-crowding. Sow into cells, small pots or trays about 1 inch apart, during Spring at a temperature of 18C (65F) in a light position, but avoiding full or direct sunlight.

Germination typically takes 10-14 days and can be quicker at slightly higher temperature. When the leaves of the seedlings touch they can be potted up.

The young plants can be grown at a cooler temperature 10C is ideal to avoid the plants developing too quickly and becoming leggy. If temperatures are likely to be high, sowing should be delayed.

Hardened off the young Dahlia plants in a well ventilated cold greenhouse or a cold frame to accustom them to life outdoors before planting out when all danger of frost has passed.