Dahlia 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' Seeds

Dahlia × hortensis 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' is a robust Half-Hardy Perennial (H2), typically grown as a high-performance annual. It belongs to the "Collarette" classification, characterized by a single outer ring of broad petals surrounding a distinct, inner "collar" of shorter, frilly petaloids.

The "Collar" Contrast: This mix is celebrated for its intricate bi-colour patterns. The inner collar is frequently a different hue to the outer petals—such as a ruby-red bloom with a creamy-white collar—creating a 3D visual depth that makes each flower unique and fascinating at close range.

Tuber Bonus: While these plants flower spectacularly in their first year from seed, they will still develop significant underground tubers by autumn. If you find a particular colour combination you love, the tubers can be lifted and stored frost-free over winter, allowing you to grow your favourites again the following spring.

Dahlias are fast-growing and incredibly rewarding, typically blooming just 12-14 weeks after sowing.

How to Sow:
Sow indoors from February to April. Sow the seeds 0.5cm deep into moist seed compost and maintain a consistent temperature of 15-20°C. Germination is usually rapid, occurring within 7-14 days. When seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots, handling them only by the leaves to avoid bruising the delicate stems.

Where to Plant:
Only plant out in late May or June once all risk of frost has passed. They demand full sun and rich, well-drained soil. As a bedding variety, they are the ideal choice for front-of-border positions or large patio containers where their compact, mounded habit can be fully appreciated.

Ongoing Care:
To ensure a relentless display, pinching and deadheading are vital. Pinch out the central growing tip when the plants are 10cm tall to encourage a bushier, multi-stemmed habit. Throughout the summer, regularly remove faded flower heads to prevent the plant from setting seed, which forces it to put all its energy into fresh buds right up until the first frosts in October.

As a shorter bedding variety, 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' looks spectacular when backed by taller, airy partners from our collection:

• 💜 Verbena bonariensis: The Tall Purple Contrast. Plant this behind your Dahlias. The wiry, see-through stems and electric violet heads act as a perfect textural foil to the warm reds and oranges of the Dahlia mix without casting heavy shade.
• ☁️ Cosmos 'Purity': The White Backdrop. The large, silk-white saucer flowers of 'Purity' provide a clean, calm background that allows the intricate multi-coloured patterns of the 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' blooms to truly stand out and take centre stage.

Sow indoors in spring for non-stop whimsical blooms from mid-summer until the first frosts of autumn.