Dahlia Nuit d’ete

Dahlia Nuit d’ete is a beautiful, deep-maroon coloured dahlia. The petals are pointed and overlapping, giving the flower a star-shaped look. It grows best in full sun to part shade and requires consistent moisture throughout the growing season. Plant it in a well-drained soil that has been enriched with compost or aged manure. To ensure maximum blooming, pinch off spent flowers as they fade away and apply a light fertilizer every two weeks during the flowering season. Dahlias should also be staked for support, especially if there is windy weather or heavy rain. Enjoy this delicate beauty in your garden!

Plant dahlia tubers in pots from mid spring and place into a frost free warm and sunny environment such as a cold frame, green house or window ledge to get an early start. However, they can be planted straight into the ground from April once the frosts have passed. When planting, make sure dahlia tubers have adequate drainage, plant with the eyes (buds) facing upwards. Place in soil rich in organic matter such as compost or aged manure at a depth of around six inches. Water lightly and consistently so the soil remains moist but not soggy. Place stakes around the dahlia soon after planting and tie it up when necessary. Be mindful to remove any dead flower heads regularly to encourage re-blooming. Fertilize every other week with a high quality fertilizer to ensure strong growth.

Dahlias are not frost hardy and will need to be lifted again in November. The young leaves are vulnerable to slugs but as the plant gets older they tend to leave them alone.