Cactus Dahlia Purple Gem Tubers

Striking purple dahlias that grow to around 1m in height. Purple Gem are ideal in beds and borders and will flower all summer long.

Dahlias like any well cultivated, garden soil with a good supply of organic material. Sunny sites away from strong winds.

Use as a border or bedding plant dahlias make good cut flowers. Short varieties can also be grown in containers on the patio or balcony.

Dahlias vary in height, so plant at the front or back of borders or in pots, according to height. Keep the plants well watered during growth. Either lift tubers after flowering and store frost free in dry compost or particularly in warmer areas, cover with a mulch over winter.

For early flowering, tubers may be started off in boxes in April; use a light soil mixed with compost. Keep slightly moist, cool and free from frost. When he danger of frosts has passed, plant out the sprouted tubers. If used as a cut flower, cut the stems on when the flower has fully developed.