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Come and Enjoy the abundance of Dahlias in 2025

5 and  12 April

 This is a collection of eight posters created in 2023 showcasing 10 years of growing dahlias in Firetail Garden. Most of the dahlia types in the posters are still growing in the garden, but not all are for sale. Some are kept for posterity. 

 They are frost-tender, so plant them after the frosts have passed.

Plant in full sun, 40-100cm apart, and provide support with netting or stakes. Dahlias prefer moist, well-drained soil with lots of organic matter, pH 6-7. 

Place the tuber horizontally, with its eyes facing upwards, 10cm deep. Minimise watering until the first shoots appear. Feed with a balanced fertiliser, such as a 10-10-10 NPK mix, and then treat with extra nutrients for flowers and fruit, such as a high-potassium fertiliser, when flowering.

Protect new growth from snails, slugs, and grazing animals. When 20cm tall, pinch tips out to encourage bushy growth for more flowers. 

Harvest regularly to promote more flowering. Pick during the cool time of day, and place the stems in cool water for extended vase life.