Tall Dahlia Mix 'Decorative Giants' (Dahlia variabilis) Seeds
- Tall, colourful Dahlia mix with large semi-double to double flowers - each plant develops its own unique combination of colours and flower forms.<ai>
- 50 seeds of open-pollinated Tall Dahlia Mix 'Decorative Giants' (Dahlia variabilis).
- Summer and cut flower growing up to about 150 cm tall for sunny borders - plants grown from seed form overwinterable tubers in their first year.<ai>
€2.59
No longer available
Description
Large flowers, bold colours and every plant unique
The Tall Dahlia Mix 'Decorative Giants' (Dahlia variabilis) is a colourful seed mixture for anyone who enjoys growing Dahlias from seed and being surprised by their diversity. The plants grow tall and vigorous and develop predominantly large, decorative semi-double or double flowers. Depending on the seed batch, the colour range extends from white through pink, red and orange to rich purple shades and mixed colours.
Unlike Dahlias propagated vegetatively from tubers, every plant grown from seed is genetically unique. This means that flower colour, flower shape, size and plant height can vary from one plant to another. This is precisely what makes 'Decorative Giants' so appealing: a single seed mixture produces a varied display of summer flowers with ever-changing combinations. Reaching heights of up to around 150 cm, the mixture is particularly well suited to the back of borders and as a cut flower.
From Mexico to European gardens
Dahlias are originally native to Mexico and Central America. At the end of the 18th century, the first seeds reached Spain and were cultivated at the Royal Botanic Garden of Madrid. It soon became apparent just how much Dahlias grown from seed could differ from one another. This extraordinary variability made them highly sought-after breeding plants during the 19th century and led to an enormous diversity of colours, flower forms and sizes.
The name Dahlia variabilis also refers to this variability. Today it is used primarily as a horticultural and collective name for variable garden Dahlias. In a seed mixture such as 'Decorative Giants', this characteristic is especially attractive: every plant can develop its own distinctive flower form and colour combination.
Sowing and care
Sowing and caring for the Dahlia Mix 'Decorative Giants'
For early flowering, pre-cultivation from mid-March to early April is recommended. Sow the seeds about 0.5 cm deep in loose seed compost and keep evenly moist at around 18 to 21 °C. Under good conditions, the first seedlings may appear after just a few days; depending on the seed and growing conditions, however, germination can also take two to three weeks. Excessively high temperatures are not beneficial, so the sowing should not be kept permanently very warm.
As soon as the young plants have developed their first true leaves, prick them out carefully and continue growing them in a bright position. Dahlias should only be planted outdoors after the last frosts, usually from mid-May. A sunny, warm and preferably sheltered position with humus-rich, nutrient-rich and well-drained soil is ideal. For this tall mixture, a planting distance of around 45 to 60 cm is advisable.
Water regularly during the growing season and feed as needed, but avoid waterlogging. Because the plants can reach heights of up to around 150 cm, support may be useful, especially in exposed positions. Early pruning or pinching out the young plants encourages branching and can produce stronger plants with more flowering stems.
Dahlias grown from seed also form tubers in their first year. If you would like to preserve particularly attractive plants from the mixture, you can dig up their tubers in autumn after the first frost and overwinter them in a frost-free place. The following year, exactly the same plant will grow again with the same flower characteristics.
Login
