Bees and Butterflies Dahlia Collection

Description

This is a fantastic collection of five dahlias which will attract a whole range of insects including bees and butterflies.  Single dahlias have blooms with a single outer ring of florets which often overlap and form a centre disc, it is these discs that are so attractive to Bees and butterflies.

Dahlias to grow which are ideal for attracting bees butterflies wildlife to your garden. Single eyed dahlias are ideal for pollinators.

Cultivation instruction

Plant Indoors: Dahlias are best started off indoors from January to March as they are sensitive to frosts. Plant in a mix of multi-purpose compost, sand and grit as this will provide drainage for the tuber. Protect young shoots from snails and slugs and when the fear of frosts has passed the tuber can be re-planted outside or the container positioned outdoors.

Plant outside: From Late March on wards, when the signs of frost have passed the dahlia tuber can be planted outside. Plant tubers into well prepared soils in late March to April. Soils should be cultivated to a depth of 20cms to allow good root development. Plant tubers in fertile soils with 5cms of soil above the top of the tuber. Protect early growth from slugs and snails and remove dead heads during the flowering season to get the best from them.  Regularly feed during the growing season with foods such as are well rotted manures, Tomato feed and bone meal or tomato food will provide food for continued flowering.

Care Tips:

For further growing instructions visit tims tips/dahlias on you tube

Dahlias can be left out over winter in well drained soils, just mulch to give added protection.

Ideal to grow with companion plants such as gladioli, asiatic lilies or many types of shrubs.

Remember to feed the dahlias when they are growing with bone meal or similar

Growing Information

Flowering height Various from 20-30″ (50-75cm)

Flowering Period: Summer to first frosts

Soil type: Free draining soils. In heavier soils add humus and or grit to help drainage

Aspect: semi to full sun.

Scented: N/A

Planting distance: 80cm between dahlia plants

Planting depth: A depth of 5cms above the top of the tuber.

Full growing instructions are also provided