Colourful pompom blooms for borders, containers and vases
The Pompom Dahlia Mix (Dahlia variabilis) produces a lively mixture of small, densely double and almost perfectly spherical flowers. Depending on their genetic characteristics, the plants develop different colours as well as slight variations in flower form and growth habit. Typical shades include bold red, orange, yellow, pink, purple and white. It is precisely this diversity that makes the seed-grown mixture so appealing: every plant is a little unique.
Pompom Dahlias are one of the classic double-flowered Dahlia forms. Their blooms consist of densely arranged ray florets rolled inwards, creating the characteristic spherical shape. The mixture is ideal for sunny summer borders, beds, cottage gardens and large containers. The sturdy, compact flowers are also very attractive as cut flowers and can be used in many different ways in summer bouquets.
A historic Dahlia form with a distinctive flower shape
Dahlias are originally native to Mexico and Central America and reached Europe towards the end of the 18th century. Their extraordinary variability soon fascinated breeders and gardeners. Plants grown from seed repeatedly produced new colours, forms and growth types, leading to the rapid development of garden Dahlias during the 19th century.
Pompom Dahlias also emerged during this period as a distinct cultivated form. Small-flowered, spherical Dahlias were already being grown in Germany in the 1850s. Soon afterwards, they also became popular in Great Britain, where they were initially known by names such as “Lilliputian Dahlias” or “Bouquet Dahlias”. To this day, their compact, almost geometric flower form remains one of the most distinctive Dahlia types.
Sowing and caring for the Pompom Dahlia Mix
For the earliest possible flowering, pre-cultivation from March to early April is recommended. Sow the seeds in loose seed compost, cover only lightly with substrate and keep evenly moist. A germination temperature of around 18 to 21 °C is ideal. Under good conditions, the first seedlings appear after around five to twenty days.
As soon as the young plants have developed their first true leaves, prick them out carefully and continue growing them in a bright position. Before planting out, they should be gradually hardened off to outdoor conditions. Only after the last frosts, usually from mid-May, should they be planted permanently in borders or large containers.
A sunny, warm and preferably sheltered position with humus-rich, nutrient-rich and well-drained soil is ideal. Depending on vigour, a planting distance of around 30 to 45 cm is recommended. Water regularly during the growing season and feed moderately, but avoid waterlogging. Removing faded flowers encourages a long succession of blooms well into autumn.
Dahlias grown from seed also form root tubers in their first year. If you would like to preserve particularly attractive plants from the mixture, you can dig up their tubers after the first frost, overwinter them in a cool, frost-free place and plant them out again the following year. This preserves exactly the individual plant with its distinctive flower characteristics.
Other names
| Botanical name: |
Dahlia variabilis |
| French names: |
Dahlia, Dahlia de jardin, Dahlia décoratif, Dahlia haut |
| English names: |
Dahlia, Garden Dahlia, Decorative Dahlia, Tall Dahlia |
| Spanish names: |
Dalia, Dalia de jardín, Dalia decorativa, Dalia alta |
| Italian names: |
Dalia, Dalia da giardino, Dalia decorativa, Dalia alta |
| Dutch names: |
Dahlia, Tuindahlia, Decoratieve dahlia, Hoge dahlia |
