Star Dahlias

Why should you choose star dahlia tubers?

Star dahlias are an excellent choice for any gardener looking to add unique, eye-catching blooms to their outdoor space. Their distinctive star-shaped petals curl inwards, creating a dynamic display of contrasting colours that adds interest and movement to any border or container. These striking blooms also have the added benefit of being highly attractive to pollinators, making them ideal for wildlife-friendly gardens.

One of the standout features of star dahlias is their versatility. Not only do they bring vibrancy and texture to your garden, but they also make excellent cut flowers, allowing you to enjoy their beauty both indoors and out. From July to October, these dahlias will provide a continuous display of bold, radiant colour.

At Peter Nyssen, our top-quality, field-grown star dahlia tubers ensure that you’ll get the best performance from your plants, with strong growth and abundant blooms all season long. Whether you're creating a pollinator-friendly garden or looking to fill your vases with striking flowers, star dahlias are a fantastic choice for long-lasting beauty.

Stephen’s star dahlia tubers top picks

Stephen Teeuw is the 3rd generation of his family to work in the flower bulb industry; he grows hundreds of varieties of new bulbs each year. At Peter Nyssen, we offer a wide variety of star dahlias to satisfy the needs of any gardening enthusiast. Here are Stephen’s top picks:

• Dahlia Verrone’s Obsidian: It took a while for these flowers to grow on me, but now I’ve found them an intrinsic part of my dahlia beds. 

• Dahlia Fragile: A pure white star and at the same time an understated dahlia. Well worth a try.

• Dahlia Honka Pink: A cheerful dahlia full of optimism!

How to plant star dahlia tubers

Planting star dahlia tubers is straightforward, and with the right care, they’ll reward you with a stunning display throughout the summer. Follow these steps to ensure your dahlias thrive:

Choose the right location: Star dahlias love full sun, so pick a sunny spot in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. They prefer well-drained soil to prevent tuber rot, so avoid areas that get waterlogged.

Prepare the soil: Before planting, dig the soil to loosen it and improve drainage. If your soil is heavy, mix in compost or grit to create a well-draining environment for the tubers.

Plant the tubers: Dig a hole about 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) deep. Place the tuber horizontally with the growing eye facing upwards. Cover the tuber with soil, ensuring it’s buried well but not too deep. Space the tubers about 30-45 cm (12-18 inches) apart to give each plant room to grow.

Water carefully: After planting, water the area thoroughly to help the soil settle. Once the plants start growing, water regularly, but avoid overwatering as dahlias don’t like sitting in soggy soil.

Support if necessary: As star dahlias can grow tall, you may want to add a stake or support when planting to prevent the stems from bending or breaking as they grow.

By following these simple steps, your star dahlias will thrive, providing a vibrant display of their unique star-shaped blooms from mid-summer through to autumn.

Why choose Peter Nyssen bulbs?

• We are a friendly, family-run business with more than 60 years of experience

• We offer bulk prices and free delivery for orders over £50

• We supply flower bulbs in quantities large and small, for all types of gardeners from the cottage potterer to the professional landscaper 

• With a range of colours and varieties available, you'll be spoilt for choice.

FAQs 

When is the best time to plant star dahlia tubers?

The best time to plant star dahlia tubers is in the spring, once the danger of frost has passed. In the UK, this typically falls between late April and early June. Plant them in well-drained soil in a sunny location for healthy growth and blooms.

How deep should I plant star dahlia tubers?

Plant your star dahlia tubers about 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) deep, with the eye or growing point facing upwards. Space them 30-45 cm (12-18 inches) apart to give the plants room to grow and spread.

Can star dahlias be grown in containers?

Yes, star dahlias thrive in containers. Choose a large, well-draining pot with a quality loamy potting mix. Place the container in a sunny spot as dahlias need full sun for the best bloom results.

How do I care for star dahlias during the growing season?

Water star dahlias regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Use a balanced fertiliser every two to four weeks during the growing season to encourage strong growth and abundant blooms. Taller varieties may need staking to prevent bending.

Will star dahlias attract pollinators to my garden?

Yes, the open, star-shaped blooms of star dahlias are very attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. Planting them supports local wildlife while adding stunning visual appeal to your garden.

Need more help?

Transform your garden with the stunning beauty of star dahlias. These unique, star-shaped blooms are perfect for adding vibrant colour and texture to borders, containers, and pollinator-friendly gardens from July through October. For helpful tips on getting the best out of your dahlias, check out our dahlia planting guide.