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Bulb
Asteraceae
Collarette Dahlia 'Rhubarb Custard' (Dahlia 'Rhubarb and Custard')
Dahlia pinnata
Rhubarb Custard grows up to 120 cm (47 in) with collared flowers measuring 11 to 13 cm (4 to 5 in). Apricot petals surround a rhubarb-red ring and cream petaloids with lavender tips, creating a striking yet soft flower. This very floriferous plant produces strong stems for bouquets and a central disc accessible to insects. Overwintering in a frost-free environment preserves the tuber in cold regions. Successive buds extend this complex palette from mid-summer until frost. Early pinching promotes branching, while staking at planting time keeps the long stems straight. This combination fits well in both a naturalistic border and an orderly cutting garden.
- Quantity
- 1 tuber
- Exposure
- Sun
- Life cycle
- Hardy perennial
- Hardiness
- Zone 10
Discover the plant
Common nameDahlia ‘Rhubarb Custard’
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusDahlia
TypeBulb
Botanical nameDahlia pinnata
Reproducible seedsYes
Collarette Dahlia ‘Rhubarb Custard’ (Dahlia ‘Rhubarb and Custard’). Collarette Dahlia ‘Rhubarb Custard’ (Dahlia ‘Rhubarb and Custard’) produces a particularly refined open flower. A crown of large, soft apricot petals surrounds a rhubarb red ring, then a twisted cream collarette with lavender tips frames the central disc. The flowerheads, about 11 to 13 cm (4 to 5 in) in diameter, bloom abundantly on an upright clump that can reach nearly 120 cm (47 in) tall. Selected by Keith Hammett in New Zealand and part of the Sweet Candy series, this prolific cultivar enlivens beds and bouquets from mid-summer until the first frost. Its accessible center also attracts more insects than a fully double dahlia.
Plant the tuber in spring after the last frost, when the soil is warm, fertile, rich in humus, and well-drained. Lay it about 10 cm (4 in) deep, with the eye facing up, in a location receiving at least six hours of sunlight, then space it 45 to 50 cm (18 to 20 in) around the crown. Water sparingly before sprouting, then deeply at the base once the top few centimeters begin to dry. Pinch back shoots when they are about 30 cm (12 in) tall to encourage branching. Mature compost and a moderate fertilizer richer in potassium support flowering, while excess nitrogen produces weak stems and too much foliage.
Place Rhubarb Custard near a walkway to observe its succession of apricot, red, cream, and lavender circles. Chocolate cosmos, blue salvias, white gauras, and bronze grasses enhance its palette without overshadowing its collarette. Harvest nearly open stems early in the morning and regularly remove spent flowers to encourage new buds. The disk florets can provide pollen and nectar for bees and other insects; also keep nearby single flowers to diversify resources. Monitor for slugs, aphids, earwigs, and spider mites, while maintaining good air circulation. After the first frost in Quebec, lift the tuber, dry its surface, label it, and store it in a cool, dry, dark, and frost-free place.
Sowing guide
It all startswith a seed.
Sowing depth
4 to 5 in (10 to 12 cm)
Sowing period
Spring
Propagation
Division of tubers with at least one viable bud
Growing method
Plant horizontally after frost, water at resumption, pinch young shoots, stake if necessary and remove faded flowers to prolong flowering. This selection requires a sunny, warm, and sheltered location, as well as fertile soil that drains excess water quickly. In spring, the tuber is placed horizontally after the last frost, then growth accelerates when nights become mild. Deep watering maintains consistent moisture without soaking the crown. Mature compost nourishes the clump, while a potassium-rich fertilizer supports buds rather than excessive foliage. Pinching young shoots encourages multiple stems. Removing faded flowers extends the display until frost. A discreet stake protects flower stalks in windy areas. In pots, a large volume of substrate and generous drainage holes stabilize moisture. In Quebec, dig up the tuber after the first frost, let it dry, and store it in a cool, dry, and frost-free place. Periodically check its firmness during winter. Flamingo pink flowers with an apricot center pair well with blue salvias, white cosmos, and delicate grasses. The collarette form adds distinctive texture to beds, containers, and bouquets. Regular harvesting of stems also stimulates the appearance of new buds. Replant only.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
5 °C (41 °F)
Care level
Moderate
Watering
At the start, keep the soil just barely moist: tubers without shoots are sensitive to overwatering. Once the foliage develops, water more generously at the base to moisten the root zone without saturating it. Check the soil before each watering and adjust the frequency based on rain, heat, and wind. In pots, check the potting mix more often and empty the saucer. Reduce watering when growth stops at the end of the season.
Soil type
Prioritize a humic soil that retains moisture while allowing excess water to drain. Check drainage after rain: water should be able to leave the root zone. Work the soil when it is no longer waterlogged to avoid compacting it. Adapt amendments to its actual texture. For container planting, use an appropriate potting mix and a pot with drainage holes. Keep these openings clear and avoid any water accumulation in the saucer.
Fertilization
Compost at planting, then a potassium-rich fertilizer during flowering. This selection requires a sunny, warm, and sheltered location, as well as fertile soil that drains quickly. In spring, the tuber is placed horizontally after the last frost, and growth accelerates when nights become mild. Deep watering maintains consistent moisture without soaking the crown. Mature compost nourishes the clump, while a.
Seasonal care
Pinch shoots when they reach 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in), stake stems exposed to wind, water during droughts, and deadhead spent blooms. After the first frost, cut back, dig up, dry, and store the tuber in a frost-free location. This variety requires a sunny, warm, and sheltered spot, as well as fertile soil that drains quickly. In spring, place the tuber horizontally after the last frost, and growth will accelerate when nights become mild. Deep watering maintains consistent moisture without waterlogging the crown. Mature compost nourishes the clump, while a potassium-rich fertilizer supports buds rather than excessive foliage. Pinching young shoots encourages multiple stems. Removing spent blooms extends the display until frost. A discreet stake protects flower stalks in windy areas. In pots, a large volume of substrate and generous drainage holes stabilize moisture. In Quebec, dig up the tuber after the first frost, let it dry, and store it in a cool, dry, and frost-free place. Check its firmness periodically during winter. The flamingo pink flowers with apricot centers pair well with blue salvias, white cosmos, and light grasses. The collarette form adds distinctive texture to beds, containers, and bouquets. Regular harvesting of stems also stimulates the emergence of new buds. Replant only healthy sections with a viable bud. This variety requires a sunny location.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
Pot at least 40 cm (16 in) in diameter and depth
Container gardening requires considering the volume needed for the roots and the final height of the plant. Choose a stable pot with drainage holes and a substrate suitable for planting. Leave enough space to respect the recommended depth and spacing, rather than crowding the plants to fill the pot immediately. 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 planting 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 location, sheltered from strong winds, in fertile and well-drained soil. Arrange the tuberous roots with their crown and buds facing upwards, without breaking the fragile attachments. Install a stake at planting if support will be necessary, to avoid damaging the roots later. Water sparingly at the beginning, then adjust the watering according to foliage growth. Consistently soggy 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
80 to 100 cm (32 to 40 in)
Width / spread
40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 in)
Flower color
Sweet apricot, rhubarb red, cream, and hints of lavender
Foliage color
Dark green
Foliage type
Null and void
Growth rate
Quick
Bloom period
The large, double flowers feature soft yellow petals delicately edged with raspberry pink, creating a bright and delicious contrast. They bloom continuously until the first frosts with regular maintenance. Collarette dahlia 'Rhubarb Custard' (Dahlia 'Rhubarb and Custard') produces a particularly refined open flower. Selected by Keith Hammett in New Zealand and belonging to the Sweet Candy series, this prolific cultivar enlivens borders and bouquets from mid-summer until the first frost. Mature compost and a moderate, potassium-rich fertilizer support flowering, while excess nitrogen produces weak stems and too much foliage.
Harvest
July to October. Harvest the flowers when they are fully open for the best vase life.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
To accompany ‘Rhubarb Custard’ collarette dahlia, you can consider cosmos, zinnias, or ornamental salvias. Choose companion varieties based on their height, flowering period, and the colors you wish to combine. Above all, ensure that their exposure and water requirements suit the same location. Maintain enough distance so that the leaves do not obscure young shoots and so that you can easily access each plant during maintenance. These pairings are for creating the garden's aesthetic; they do not guarantee protection against pests or diseases. Adjust the layout after observing one growing season.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
What is the true form of Rhubarb Custard?
Rhubarb Custard is a collarette dahlia, not a fully double decorative cultivar. A ring of apricot outer petals surrounds a rhubarb-red inner ring, then short, twisted cream petaloids with lavender tips frame the central disk. This 11–13 cm (4–5 in.) structure leaves the center visible and makes each ring distinct. It also explains its appeal to insects and for textured bouquets. The fertile florets of the disk can then open progressively. This concentric zonation must be preserved in the description and images to avoid falsely presenting the cultivar as a large double yellow and pink flower. The recognized full name is Rhubarb and Custard, even if the commercial label sometimes shortens the “and.”
How to plant Rhubarb Custard tubers?
After the last frost, plant the tuber about 10 cm (4 in.) deep in warmed, fertile, well-drained, humus-rich soil. Orient the eye upwards, provide at least six hours of sun, and keep 45 to 50 cm (18 to 20 in.) around the crown. Install stakes immediately. Water sparingly before sprouting, then deeply when the soil surface begins to dry. Pinch shoots back to 30 cm (12 in.). Incorporate mature compost before planting and then apply a moderate, potassium-rich fertilizer. Avoid hollows where water stagnates and excessive nitrogen application. A light mulch applied after the soil warms stabilizes moisture but should not directly cover the crown.
Does Rhubarb Custard attract pollinators?
Its collared flower retains a central disc that is more accessible than that of fully double dahlias. When the disc florets are open, they can provide pollen and nectar to bees and other visiting insects. Availability varies with the flower's stage; therefore, also keep nearby single plants that bloom continuously. Avoid insecticides on flower heads and observe visits during warm hours. However, attendance depends on the opening of the florets, the weather, and local populations; it is not advisable to promise a specific species. Let some flower heads mature naturally, but continue to remove others to maintain production. Available water nearby and the absence of pesticides broaden the ecological value of the bed.
How to cut Rhubarb Custard for bouquets?
Harvest in the early morning when the blooms are almost fully open, as dahlias progress little after cutting. Choose firm stems, cut above a node to encourage new branching, and remove any leaves that would sit below the water line. Recut the bases, use a clean vase, and change the water regularly. Rhubarb Custard's colors easily link warm, cream, and lavender flowers. A heavy enough vase supports the long stems, and a cool spot prolongs their vase life. Combine the blooms with chocolate cosmos, white gaura, or bronze foliage to echo each hue. Avoid harvesting tight buds, as their collars will not fully unfurl after cutting.
How to overwinter Rhubarb Custard in Quebec?
After the first frost has blackened the foliage, cut back the stems and carefully lift the crown without breaking the neck. Allow the surface to dry under cover, then label it Rhubarb Custard. Store the tuber in a slightly insulating, cool, dry, dark, and frost-free medium. Inspect it monthly, remove any soft parts, and prevent extreme desiccation until spring. In spring, restart growth of the crown only when the risk of frost diminishes. To divide it, each section must retain a portion of the crown with a viable eye; an isolated tuberous root without an eye cannot form a new shoot.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Supporting wildlife
The central florets can provide pollen to visiting insects. This selection requires a sunny, warm and sheltered location, as well as fertile soil that drains excess water quickly. In spring, the tuber is placed horizontally after the last frost, then growth accelerates when the nights become mild. Deep watering maintains consistent moisture.
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