Dahlia Tall Double Mix produces strong, branching plants covered with large, layered flowers in mixed colours. The mixture may include red, pink, purple, yellow, orange, white and attractive two-colour blooms. Its long stems make the flowers suitable for garden displays and cutting.
Dahlias originated in Mexico and Central America, where wild species produced simpler flowers. Years of selection created the full, rounded flower forms grown in gardens today. This tall mixture reaches around 3–4 feet and works best at the back of flower beds or in large pots.
Why Gardeners Love It
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Double Flowers: Produces full blooms with several layers of petals.
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Mixed Colours: Each packet can provide a varied garden display.
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Tall Growth: Reaches around 3–4 feet when given enough space.
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Good for Cutting: Long stems are suitable for fresh flower arrangements.
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Repeated Flowering: Regular removal of old blooms encourages new buds.
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Seed Quality: Dahlia seeds tested for germination, with a high germination rate.
Best Conditions
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Germination: Usually 7–14 days
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Temperature: Around 18–24°C
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Sunlight: At least 6–8 hours
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Pot size: A 12-inch pot for one plant
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Spacing: About 18–24 inches between plants
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Plant height: Usually around 3–4 feet
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Soil: Fertile, moist and well-draining mix
In Lahore, Faisalabad, Islamabad and Rawalpindi, sow from September to November so the plants can flower before strong summer heat arrives. In hotter areas such as Karachi and southern Punjab, sow from October into December after the weather becomes milder. In colder northern and hilly areas, sow from March to April after the risk of hard frost has passed.
How to Sow
- Fill a seed tray or small pots with fine, moist seed starter mix.
- Sow the seeds around ¼ inch deep and cover them lightly.
- Mist gently and keep the tray warm with bright, indirect light.
- Move the seedlings into stronger light after they appear.
- Transplant after 3–4 true leaves develop, leaving enough room for each plant.
Plant Care
Water regularly and allow the upper layer of soil to begin drying between waterings. Water near the base and avoid leaving the leaves wet overnight. Tall dahlias may bend in wind or heavy rain, so place a 4-foot stake beside each plant while it is still young.
Pinch the main growing tip when the plant reaches around 10–12 inches tall. This encourages side branches and produces more flowering stems. Remove weak shoots near the base if the centre becomes crowded.
Mix Vermicompost into the soil before transplanting. Once buds begin developing, feed lightly with a flowering fertilizer containing more potassium and less nitrogen. Too much nitrogen can produce tall leafy plants with fewer flowers.
Check the new growth and flower buds for aphids, thrips, spider mites and caterpillars. Remove badly damaged leaves and use Neem Oil if sucking pests appear.
Local Gardener Tips
- Install supports early to avoid damaging the roots later.
- Pinch young plants once to encourage more flowering branches.
- Give afternoon shade when temperatures begin rising.
- Protect tall plants from strong wind and heavy rain.
- Remove faded flowers before they begin forming seeds.
Flowering
Dahlia Tall Double Mix usually begins flowering around 90–120 days after sowing. Cut mature flowers early in the morning when their petals have opened but still feel firm. Make each cut just above a healthy pair of leaves so the remaining branch can produce new growth.
Remove faded flowers regularly to direct the plant’s energy towards new buds. Flowering continues while temperatures remain mild, but it may slow during extreme heat, frost or prolonged rain.
Because these dahlias are grown from seed, individual plants may differ in colour, flower shape and petal fullness. Most will follow the tall double or semi-double style of the mixture, but every plant will not look identical.
FAQs
Why is my Dahlia growing leaves but producing few flowers?
Too much nitrogen, insufficient sunlight or crowded growth can delay flowering. Move pots into stronger sunlight, avoid high-nitrogen feeding and remove weak shoots blocking light from the centre.
Why are the flower buds turning brown before opening?
Thrips, prolonged rain, wet buds or fungal damage can cause buds to brown. Remove affected buds, improve airflow and check inside the flowers for tiny insects.
What is the white powder appearing on the leaves?
This is usually powdery mildew, which becomes common when airflow is poor or nights are humid. Remove badly affected leaves, increase spacing and avoid wetting the foliage late in the day.
Will every plant produce the same colour and flower shape?
No. A seed mixture naturally produces variation. Colours, petal arrangement, flower size and doubleness can differ between plants, creating a mixed display.
Can the tubers be saved for the following season?
Yes. Seed-grown dahlias normally form tubers below the soil. Mark your favourite plants while they are flowering, then lift their tubers after the foliage yellows. Dry them in shade and store them in a cool, dry place until the next suitable planting season.
Common names: Dahlia Tall Double Mix, Tall Double Dahlia, Double Dahlia Mix, Garden Dahlia
