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‘MRS REES’ how to plant

Plant tubers 10-15cm deep in spring with the sprouting ‘eye’ pointed up. Mass plant small tubers 30cm apart, and larger 75-100cm. Water well, then leave them alone until growth is visible.

soil and stake

They need rich, well-drained soil with added organic matter, full morning sun, afternoon shade and protection from winds. Stake tall growers at planting so you don’t damage the tuber. They thrive in moist, cool and warm climates.

Food for flowers

Once flowering begins,

‘PURPLE DELIGHT’

about six weeks after planting, fertilise monthly with plant food, such as blood and bone. Protect soil from hot summer sun with organic mulch and water regularly.

Make them flourish

Once they’re at the height you want, snip off the growing tip to encourage lateral growth and a fuller bush. Cutting flowers for indoor display also encourages new buds. Flowering lasts 3-5 months.

Season finish

Mass plant your dahlias and create a living patchwork quilt from their many colours and shapes, such as the ‘Shirley Yoemans’ ball dahlia (front), the ‘Mrs Rees’ cactus dahlia (middle) and a bright red ball ‘Hot Shot’. SEEN ON BHG TV

Dig up the tubers in winter with a garden fork. Throw out the squishy ones. Divide the firm ones so you can double your plants. Divide healthy tubers with clean secateurs, making sure each section has a ‘neck’ and ‘eye’ (a bit like a potato) where the buds are. If you don’t get frosts, you can replant them immediately. If you get frosts, store in a polystyrene or cardboard box on a layer of damp – not wet – mulch. Cover with humus for 3-4 months until buds emerge. Replant in spring. When flowering finishes, cut back to a third, then by another as it starts to yellow and die down. When bush has finished, cut back to a stub.