Lesson 1
Choosing varieties
Dahlias come in shapes that range from the small daisy-like singles to the dinner-plate decoratives that reach 25 cm across. For pots and small spaces, lean towards smaller forms: ball, pompon, decorative dwarf and collarette types.
Three reliable container varieties to start with: 'Bishop of Llandaff' (single red, dark foliage), 'Karma Choc' (deep chocolate decorative), and 'Café au Lait' (the famous milky-tea giant — needs a big tub).
Buy named tubers in late winter from specialist growers, or rooted cuttings in spring. Avoid supermarket bag-of-three deals — quality varies wildly.
Shapes worth knowing
- Decorative — fully double, classic form.
- Ball & pompon — small, perfectly round, brilliant for vases.
- Cactus — spiky-petalled, dramatic.
- Single / collarette — open-faced, loved by bees.
- Anemone — fluffy centre ring.