Flowers: Summer

Height: 5 feet

Position: Full Sun

Germination: Easy

Aftercare: Easy

Description: Stunning colour all summer. One packet each of Dahlia coccinea Species Mixed and Dahlia variabilis Double Extreme. Save money! - see individual descriptions.

Sowing Instructions: Sow February to April at 20-25C (68-77F) on the surface of a good free draining, damp seed compost. Apply a fine sprinkling of vermiculite, 6mm (¼ inch) deep. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 7-21 days. Do not exclude light at any stage, as this helps germination.

Growing Instructions: When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3 inch) pots or trays. Gradually acclimatise young plants to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 30-45cm (12 to 18 inches) apart.

Aftercare Instructions: For best results, provide a rich, moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Lift tubers in autumn before frosts and store in cool, dry and frost-free conditions over winter.