{"title":"Dahlias","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"dahlia-cactus-mixed-seeds","title":"Dahlia Cactus Mixed","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDahlia variabilis 'Cactus Flowered Mix'\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eCactus Dahlia Mixed\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eLarge, fully double blooms where every petal is rolled into a tight quill — creating a spiky, starburst effect that looks like a frozen firework exploding in your garden. 'Cactus Flowered Mix' is the architectural dahlia that brings tropical drama and exotic quill-petalled beauty in fiery hot pinks, sunny yellows, oranges and rich ruby reds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIf you're bored of standard daisy shapes, the cactus dahlia is the antidote. The mix creates a riot of tropical colour, featuring hot pinks, sunny yellows, fiery oranges and deep ruby reds — every flower a starburst sculpture of quilled petals radiating from a hidden centre. Unlike dwarf bedding types, these are substantial plants reaching up to 120cm with long, sturdy stems — making them essential for adding height to borders and drama to vases. The cactus dahlia has one quietly brilliant practical advantage: \u003cstrong\u003esuperior weather resistance\u003c\/strong\u003e. The spiky, quilled petals allow rainwater to run freely off the flower rather than becoming trapped within the head, meaning blooms are far less likely to become soggy or rot during a wet British summer (a common problem with heavy \"decorative\" or \"dinnerplate\" dahlia varieties). Half-hardy perennial, typically grown as a high-performance annual from seed. Flowers July to first frosts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA note on growing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eSow indoors February to April. Surface-sow onto moist seed compost and cover with a fine layer of vermiculite. Maintain 20–25°C for rapid germination (7–14 days). When seedlings have 2–3 pairs of leaves, prick out into individual pots, handling only by the leaves. Plant out only after all risk of frost (late May or June) in full sun and deep, rich, fertile soil. \u003cstrong\u003eDahlias are hungry plants\u003c\/strong\u003e — dig in plenty of organic matter before planting and feed weekly with potash-rich (tomato) fertiliser once buds form. Space 50cm apart. Pinch out the top growing tip once the plant has developed 3–4 pairs of leaves for bushy multi-stemmed growth. Deadhead religiously.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVase-life tip for dahlias\u003c\/strong\u003e: dahlia stems are hollow. To prevent wilting and drooping heads in the vase, dip the bottom 2cm of freshly cut stems in boiling water for 10 seconds before placing in cold water — a professional florist trick that significantly extends vase life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere it shines\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn the cutting garden as a statement single-stem cut flower — the architectural starburst form has presence that no flat-petalled daisy can match. In tropical-themed and \"exotic\" cottage borders where the hot tropical colours read as deliberate intensity. At the back of mixed borders where the 120cm height anchors the planting. In wet British summers, where the rain-resistant petal form means fewer rotted flowers than heavier dinnerplate dahlias would suffer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant alongside\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eFor a quintessential florist-style cutting combination, pair Cactus Dahlia with Cosmos 'Purity' (silk-white saucers create the soft floating background that allows the spiky tropical colours to stand out) and Ammi majus (the soft frothy white lace fills gaps between the heavy dahlia heads). For warm-tone harmony in borders, combine with Calendula 'Neon' and the soft apricot of Cosmos 'Apricotta'.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42961873010875,"sku":"DAH-CAC","price":2.3,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0576\/6004\/7547\/files\/Gemini_Generated_Image_fbxgldfbxgldfbxg.png?v=1778507358"},{"product_id":"dahlia-early-bird-mix-seeds","title":"Dahlia Early Bird Mix","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDahlia variabilis 'Early Bird Mix'\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eDwarf Early Dahlia 'Early Bird Mix'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eA vibrant dwarf mix bred specifically for speed — producing colourful semi-double flowers weeks ahead of standard varieties, often as early as late June or the start of July. 'Early Bird' is the dahlia that fills the gap before standard varieties have begun, and the compact, self-supporting variety made for patio pots, window boxes and the front of cottage borders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIf you can't wait until late summer for your dahlia fix, 'Early Bird' is the answer. This variety has been bred specifically for speed, reaching first flower at around 10–12 weeks from sowing (compared to 12–14 weeks for most dahlias) and continuing through to the first autumn frosts. The plants are compact and bushy (50–60cm), producing a vibrant mix of semi-double and double flowers in rich shades of red, violet, yellow, orange and bronze. Because they're short and sturdy, they don't need staking — making them genuinely low-maintenance compared to taller dahlia varieties. The semi-double and single flowers in the mix feature open centres, providing easy access for bees and bumblebees — unlike densely packed \"ball\" or \"cactus\" dahlias, 'Early Bird' serves as a functional nectar station for pollinators throughout its long season. Half-hardy perennial typically grown as a high-performance annual.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA note on growing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eSow indoors from February to April. Surface-sow onto moist seed compost and cover with a fine layer of vermiculite. Maintain 20–25°C; germination 7–14 days. When seedlings have 2–3 pairs of leaves, prick out into individual pots. Harden off and plant out only after all risk of frost has passed (late May or June). Full sun and deep, rich, fertile soil. \u003cstrong\u003eDahlias are hungry plants\u003c\/strong\u003e — dig in plenty of well-rotted organic matter and feed weekly with a potash-rich (tomato) fertiliser once flower buds form. Pinch out the central growing tip once the plant reaches 10cm to encourage bushy growth. Deadhead religiously. At the end of the season, tubers can be lifted after the first frost and stored cool, dry and frost-free for replanting the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere it shines\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn patio containers and window boxes, where the compact 50–60cm height and self-supporting habit are properly useful. At the front of cottage borders, where the bushy mounds soften hard edges. As a quick-result dahlia for impatient gardeners — first flowers can arrive in late June, weeks ahead of taller varieties. In children's gardens and beginner plantings, where reliability and speed build confidence. In wildlife gardens, where the open-centred flowers provide accessible pollinator forage from early summer onwards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant alongside\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eFor an early-summer cottage container, combine 'Early Bird' with the soft mauve picotee of Cosmos 'Fizzy Rose' and the dwarf Calendula 'Oopsy Daisy' — all flowering at the same compact height with overlapping season. For border planting, pair with Cornflower 'Polka Dot Mixed' (matching dwarf habit) and the lacy blue umbels of Didiscus 'Blue Lace'.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42961873076411,"sku":"DAH-ELY","price":2.3,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0576\/6004\/7547\/files\/Gemini_Generated_Image_a5nunka5nunka5nu.png?v=1773851663"},{"product_id":"dahlia-yankee-doodle-dandy-mix-seeds","title":"Dahlia Yankee Doodle Dandy Mix","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDahlia × hortensis 'Yankee Doodle Dandy Mix'\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eCollerette Dahlia 'Yankee Doodle Dandy Mix'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe two-tone dahlia with a collar — a Collerette type producing large 7cm flowers in pink, white, yellow, red and mauve, each with a distinctive inner ring of shorter petals in a contrasting colour that frames the open centre. Compact and bushy at 50–60cm with no staking needed, and open flowers that make it one of the most valuable dahlias for bees and butterflies in any cottage border.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eCollerette dahlias are the rarest and most distinctive form in the dahlia family — instead of fully double or single flowers, each bloom has two rings of petals: a large outer ring of broad flat petals, and an inner \"collar\" of shorter, often differently-coloured petals that frames the central golden disc. The result is a two-tone flower of genuine character — each blossom looks like it's wearing a little ruffled collar around the centre. 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' produces flowers in pink, white, yellow, red and mauve, all with contrasting inner collars. Compact and bushy at 50–60cm, the plants need no staking — making them ideal for the front of borders or pots on the patio. RHS Plants for Pollinators recognised — the open central disc is fully accessible to bees and butterflies, unlike fully double dahlias that lock pollinators out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA note on growing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eSow indoors from February to April. Surface-sow onto moist seed compost and cover with a fine layer of vermiculite. Maintain 20–25°C; germination 7–14 days. When seedlings have 2–3 pairs of leaves, prick out into individual pots, handling only by the leaves. Harden off and plant out only after all risk of frost (late May or June) in full sun and deep, rich, fertile soil. \u003cstrong\u003eDahlias are hungry plants\u003c\/strong\u003e — dig in plenty of organic matter and feed weekly with potash-rich (tomato) fertiliser once buds form. Pinch out the central growing tip at 10–15cm for bushy growth. Deadhead religiously. Tubers can be lifted after the first frost and stored frost-free for replanting the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere it shines\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eAt the front of cottage borders, where the compact 50–60cm height and distinctive collerette form earn proper attention. In patio containers, where a single packet's seedlings can fill multiple pots with two-tone interest. In wildlife gardens, where the open-centred form is properly valued by bees and butterflies. As a conversation-piece plant for garden visitors who haven't seen collerette dahlias before. In cottage cutting gardens for distinctive, characterful cut flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant alongside\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eFor a compact cottage front-border scheme, combine 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' with Calendula 'Oopsy Daisy', Cornflower 'Polka Dot Mixed' and the dwarf Dahlia 'Early Bird Mix' for layered colour at a similar height. For wildlife gardens, pair with the open-faced 'Bishop's Children' and Verbena bonariensis for a comprehensive pollinator-supporting border.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43488058966203,"sku":"DAH-YDD","price":2.2,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0576\/6004\/7547\/files\/Gemini_Generated_Image_9bvvc69bvvc69bvv.png?v=1773852619"},{"product_id":"dahlia-bishops-children-seeds","title":"Dahlia Bishops Children Mix","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDahlia × hortensis 'Bishop's Children'\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eBishop's Children Mix\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe seedling progeny of the legendary 'Bishop of Llandaff' — inheriting that celebrated deep bronze to purple-black foliage that adds instant moodiness and depth to any border, against which the open daisy flowers in fiery scarlet, tangerine, apricot and rich pink appear to glow like neon lights. 'Bishop's Children' is the dahlia that brings drama, foliage interest and serious pollinator value from a single packet of seed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis is the dahlia for gardeners who want to grow many spectacular dahlias inexpensively from seed. While most named dahlia cultivars must be propagated from tubers (which can cost £8-15 each), 'Bishop's Children' produces a generous packet's worth of dramatic dark-foliaged plants for less than the cost of a single tuber. The flowers are mostly single or semi-double — open daisy forms with yellow centres fully accessible to bees and butterflies (unlike densely packed dahlias that lock pollinators out). Standing around 1m tall, the plants bloom from mid-summer until the first autumn frosts, and at the end of the season produce tubers that can be lifted, stored frost-free over winter, and replanted the following spring for an even more majestic display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA note on growing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eDahlias are fast-growing and rewarding — typically reaching flowering maturity just 12–14 weeks from sowing. Sow indoors from February to April. Surface-sow onto moist seed compost and cover with a thin layer of vermiculite. Maintain 20–25°C for rapid germination — usually 7–14 days. When seedlings have 2–3 pairs of leaves, prick out into individual pots, handling only by the leaves to avoid bruising delicate stems. Harden off carefully and plant out only after all risk of frost has passed (late May or June). Full sun, deep rich fertile soil. \u003cstrong\u003eDahlias are hungry plants\u003c\/strong\u003e — dig in plenty of well-rotted organic matter before planting, and feed weekly with a potash-rich (tomato) fertiliser once flower buds form. Note this is the \u003cem\u003eopposite\u003c\/em\u003e of Cosmos: where Cosmos demands lean soil, Dahlias demand rich. Pinch out the central growing tip once plants reach 15cm to encourage bushy, multi-stemmed growth. Deadhead religiously to maintain continuous flowering. After the first frost blackens the foliage, lift tubers and store frost-free for the following year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere it shines\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn hot, warm-toned borders where the bronze-black foliage creates a natural shadow-effect that makes scarlet and tangerine flowers appear to vibrate with extra intensity. In wildlife gardens, where the open-centred flowers are genuine bee and butterfly magnets (unlike densely packed double dahlias that lock pollinators out). As a structural anchor for cottage cutting borders. In late-summer planting schemes when many other annuals are winding down. The dark foliage is itself a major design asset — many gardeners grow 'Bishop's Children' as much for the leaves as for the flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant alongside\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eFor the classic \"high-end designer\" combination, plant 'Bishop's Children' with Verbena bonariensis — the electric purple Verbena clusters rising through the dark bronze foliage create a layered, sophisticated effect that buzzes with wildlife. For high-contrast drama, the silk-white saucers of Cosmos 'Purity' make the dark moody foliage look even more defined. For a hot border, combine with Calendula 'Neon' and Cornflower 'Red Boy' for fiery warm tones.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44841839689915,"sku":"DAH-BSH","price":2.3,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0576\/6004\/7547\/files\/B18A8F24-693F-42E0-9B72-B30124BF61B4.jpg?v=1761232046"},{"product_id":"dahlia-pompone-mixed-seeds","title":"Dahlia Pompone Double Mixed","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDahlia variabilis 'Pompone Double Mixed'\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003ePompone Dahlia 'Double Mixed'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eSmall but perfectly formed ball-shaped flowers in fully double form, in a wide band of vintage cottage shades — the geometrically precise pompone form on tall 90–120cm stems, bringing height, structure and proper old-world charm to the late-summer border and ready-made vintage character to any bouquet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe pompone dahlia is the geometrically perfect cousin in the dahlia family — small (typically 5–7cm), tightly-packed double balls with hundreds of curled petals arranged into compact spheres of pure colour. Where decorative dahlias are flamboyant and cactus dahlias are spiky, pompones are quietly precise — and they have a particular cottage-garden charm that's distinctly different from showier dahlia forms. The mix produces flowers in a wide range of vintage cottage shades — soft pinks, deep ruby reds, bright yellows, oranges and creamy whites — on tall 90–120cm plants with strong stems that hold the geometric heads beautifully. Half-hardy perennial typically grown as an annual from seed. Flowers from July to first autumn frosts. Excellent cutting flower with proper vintage character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA note on growing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003ePompone dahlias from seed can be slightly trickier than other dahlia types: some seed batches need a period of winter chilling (cold stratification) before they germinate, while others come up reliably in spring. To maximise germination success, sow indoors from February to April — surface-sow onto moist seed compost and cover with a fine layer of vermiculite. Maintain 15–20°C; germination is variable, typically 10–28 days. If seeds fail to emerge within a month, place the tray in the fridge for 2 weeks then return to warmth — this cold-stratification trick often triggers the next wave of germination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003ePlant out only after all risk of frost has passed (late May or June) in full sun and deep, rich, fertile soil. \u003cstrong\u003eDahlias are hungry plants\u003c\/strong\u003e — dig in plenty of organic matter and feed weekly with potash-rich (tomato) fertiliser once buds form. Space 50cm apart. Pinch out the top growing tip at 15cm for bushy multi-stemmed growth. At the end of the season, tubers can be lifted after the first frost and stored frost-free for replanting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere it shines\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eAt the back of cottage borders where the 90–120cm height provides structure and the small precise pompone heads read as vintage cottage character. In the cutting garden as a properly old-fashioned cut flower — pompone dahlias bring genuine vintage authenticity to bouquets that larger modern dahlia forms can't match. In rustic wedding flowers, where the small ball-shaped heads work beautifully in mixed cottage-style arrangements. As a structural late-summer plant when many other border plants are winding down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant alongside\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eFor a vintage cottage cutting scheme, combine pompone dahlias with Cornflower 'Black \u0026amp; Mauve Mix' (vintage palette match), the dusty smoky pink of Cynoglossum 'Mystery Rose', and the airy white lace of Ammi majus. For warm-tone harmony in borders, pair with Cosmos 'Apricotta' and Calendula 'Touch of Red'.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55664158015865,"sku":"DAH-PPM","price":2.3,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0576\/6004\/7547\/files\/dahlia-pompone-double-mixed-9719307.jpg?v=1760750480"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.bishybarnabeescottagegarden.com\/collections\/dahlias\/colour_cream.oembed","provider":"Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd","version":"1.0","type":"link"}