Sale
Sold out
Bulb
Asteraceae
Dahlia 'Babylon Red' (Dahlia)
Dahlia pinnata ‘Babylon Red’
Babylon Red Dahlia (Dahlia pinnata ‘Babylon Red’) produces spectacular scarlet-red double dinner plate flowers. This dramatic variety brightens gardens from midsummer until the first frost.
- Quantity
- 1 tuber
- Exposure
- Full sun. Bright, direct sunlight is essential for producing enormous blooms and strong, sturdy stems.
- Life cycle
- Perennial
- Hardiness
- Zone 10
Discover the plant
Common nameBabylon Red Dahlia
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusDahlia
TypeBulb
Botanical nameDahlia pinnata ‘Babylon Red’
Reproducible seedsYes
Babylon Red Dahlia (Dahlia pinnata ‘Babylon Red’) is a spectacular tuberous perennial prized for its enormous scarlet-red, fully double dinner plate flowers. Their intense colour and impressive size create a dramatic focal point above broad, vigorous, dark green foliage. Blooming generously from July through October, the plant reaches approximately 100 to 120 cm (39 to 47 in) tall. This fast-growing variety brings bold colour, height, and presence to summer landscapes. Not hardy in Canada, it should be overwintered in a frost-free location.
Plant the tuber in spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has thoroughly warmed, approximately 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in) deep. Choose a full-sun location with rich, loose, humus-rich, consistently moist, and well-drained soil, spacing plants 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 in) apart. Install a sturdy stake at planting time to support the stems once they are carrying their large flowers. Water regularly without allowing the soil to become waterlogged, and fertilize every two to three weeks with a fertilizer high in potassium. Lift the tubers before the first autumn frost and store them in a cool, dry, frost-free location.
Babylon Red Dahlia is ideal for large garden beds, sunny borders, generous containers, and cut flower gardens. Pair it with ornamental grasses, Verbena bonariensis, salvias, and cosmos to create dynamic summer displays where its fiery flowers command attention. Harvested when fully open, its enormous blooms have excellent vase life and create especially impressive large-scale arrangements. The flowers also attract bees, butterflies, and many other pollinating insects. Remove spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous bud production until the first frost.
Sowing guide
It all startswith a seed.
Sowing depth
10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in)
Sowing period
Spring
Propagation
Divide the tubers in spring, ensuring each division has at least one viable growing eye. This preserves the characteristics of the cultivar.
Growing method
Plant the tubers in spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has thoroughly warmed. Plant 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in) deep, spacing tubers 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 in) apart in rich, loose, well-drained soil. Choose a location in full sun for maximum flowering. Water regularly without waterlogging the soil and fertilize throughout the growing season. Install sturdy stakes at planting time to support the large flower stems. Lift the tubers before the first autumn frost and store them in a cool, dry, frost-free location over winter.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
5°C (41°F)
Care level
Intermediate
Watering
Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist without overwatering. Reduce watering before lifting the tubers in autumn.
Soil type
Rich, loose, humus-rich, well-drained soil that remains evenly moist without becoming waterlogged. Avoid heavy, poorly drained soils.
Fertilization
Apply a fertilizer high in potassium every two to three weeks during active growth. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which encourages foliage rather than flowers.
Seasonal care
Install sturdy stakes at planting time to support the heavy flower stems. Remove spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering. Water deeply during hot weather. Lift the tubers before the first hard frost and store them in a cool, dry location over winter.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
45 to 50 cm (18 to 20 in)
Container gardening requires anticipating the necessary volume for the roots and the plant's final height. Choose a stable pot with drainage holes and a suitable planting medium. Leave enough space to respect the recommended depth and spacing, rather than cramming plants to immediately fill the pot. Place the container in the indicated exposure and regularly check the moisture, especially in hot or windy weather. A pot is more exposed to temperature variations than a plant in the ground. Therefore, plan for a wintering location compatible with the plant's needs and your region's climate from the outset. Plant in spring when all risk of frost has passed and the soil is sufficiently warmed. Choose a sunny spot, sheltered from strong winds, in fertile and well-drained soil. Arrange the tuberous roots with their crown and buds facing upwards, without breaking fragile connections. Install a stake at planting time if support will be needed, to avoid damaging the roots later. Water sparingly at the start, then adjust the water supply to the foliage growth. Constantly waterlogged soil around the tubers should be avoided, especially before the first shoots appear. Plan to bring the storage organs indoors, away from frost, for the Quebec winter.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
100 to 120 cm (39 to 47 in)
Width / spread
50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 in)
Flower color
Scarlet red
Foliage color
Dark green
Foliage type
Deciduous
Growth rate
Fast
Bloom period
Huge scarlet-red double dinner plate flowers bloom continuously until the first frost when spent flowers are removed regularly.
Harvest
July to October. Harvest flowers when fully open for the longest vase life.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses, Verbena bonariensis, salvias, and cosmos to create bold, dramatic summer displays.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
When should Babylon Red Dahlia tubers be planted?
Plant the tubers in spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has thoroughly warmed. Planting in cold soil slows development. Choose a location in full sun.
Is Babylon Red Dahlia a good cut flower?
Yes. Its enormous dinner plate blooms have excellent vase life and create dramatic, elegant floral arrangements.
Does Babylon Red Dahlia need staking?
Yes. Its exceptionally large flowers are heavy, so sturdy stakes help prevent stems from bending or breaking in wind and heavy rain.
Should the tubers be lifted for winter in Canada?
Yes. The tubers are not hardy in most Canadian climates. Lift them after the first light frost and store them in a cool, dry, frost-free location until spring.
Does Babylon Red Dahlia attract pollinators?
Yes. Its flowers attract bees, butterflies, and many other pollinating insects throughout the growing season, especially when fully open.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
For planting your bulbs
The right extras.Right here.
Bulb planters and planting tools
Shop the collection
Soils and amendments for bulbs
Shop the collection
