Dahlia 'Christie Merlot' Tuber

Product Information

A gorgeous small decorative dahlia with rich, moody blooms ranging from dusty red to warm burnt orange and terracotta. The petals curl beautifully towards the centre, creating a unique and mesmerising flower, while the darker stems add extra contrast. A vigorous and prolific variety that produces plenty of beautiful blooms, making it a wonderful choice for both the garden and cutting.

Dahlias are frost sensitive plants. Plant them out in spring after your last frost. They require well composted soil, some sun and water. In preparation for tuber planting add organic compost and fertiliser to your beds. Dahlia tubers should be planted on their sides, with the eye facing up about 10cm deep. Spacing of each tuber is 40cm apart and they will require support as they grow. No water or fertiliser until there is growth visible above the ground, there is enough energy stored in the tuber for initial stages of growth. Watering too early can cause your tuber to rot instead of growing in some circumstances. Tubers should only be lifted after foliage has died back completely. Lift the crown and tubers together. Each division will require its own crown, most easily recognised by any old stems remaining attached. Keep lifted tubers in a cool, dark position, protected with a little peat or shredded newspaper from drying out. Once established, harvest flowers regularly to promote more.