Dahlia 'Cactus Mix'

Cactus Mix Dahlia (Dahlia pinnata ‘Cactus Mix’) brings together a vibrant selection of spectacular cactus dahlias featuring large, star-shaped blooms with long, narrow, slightly twisted petals. Shades of red, yellow, orange, pink, white, and occasional bicolours combine in a dazzling display that blooms continuously from July until the first frost. Dense, dark green foliage provides the perfect backdrop for the flowers' dramatic form and brilliant colours. Growing 90 to 120 cm (35 to 47 in) tall, these dahlias create a bold statement in summer landscapes. Not hardy in Canada, they are typically grown as annuals, although the tubers can be lifted and stored indoors over winter.

Plant the tubers in spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has thoroughly warmed, approximately 10 to 12 cm (4 to 5 in) deep. Choose a location in full sun with rich, loose, humus-rich, well-drained soil, spacing plants 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in) apart. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist without allowing it to become waterlogged. Apply a fertilizer high in potassium every two to three weeks throughout the growing season to encourage abundant flowering. Remove spent blooms regularly to promote continuous bud production. In autumn, lift the tubers before hard frost and store them in a cool, dry, frost-free location until spring.

Cactus Mix Dahlia (Dahlia pinnata ‘Cactus Mix’) is perfect for large garden beds, flowering borders, generous containers, and cut flower gardens. Its vibrant mix of colours creates a bold, energetic display, especially when paired with cosmos, salvias, Verbena bonariensis, and ornamental grasses. Strong stems and excellent vase life make these flowers ideal for spectacular summer bouquets. Fully open blooms also attract bees, butterflies, and many other pollinating insects. Petals from untreated plants may be used with care as an edible garnish for selected salads and desserts.