Dark Spirit Dahlia Tubers

Dark Spirit: Decorative Dahlia Tubers

The fashion for dramatic, deep-hued flowers has never been greater and Dahlia Dark Spirit is the epitome of this trend. The dark burgundy, almost black double spherical blooms will add a hint of Halloween celebrations to any garden!
Browse our other Decorative Dahlias or our full range of Dahlias here.

Each 7cm-8cm flower is made up of layers of velvety, inwardly curved petals creating an almost spherical bloom. Tall, sturdy stems provide excellent support and this dahlia grows to 90cm tall.

Features

• Colour: Deep burgundy red, almost black petals
• Foliage: Dark green divided leaves
• Flower Size: 7-8cm
• Type: Decorative (not a Pom-Pom)
• Cutting: Yes
• Height/Spread: 90cm x 45cm
• Flowering: July to November
• Outdoor Planting Months: March to July

Growing Dark Spirit Dahlias

Being a compact variety, it will thrive in patio containers.

All dahlias do best in deep rich soil with good drainage in a sunny spot. If it is windy they will need staking. They are greedy, thirsty plants so will need watering in dry spells, and they will always flower that little bit better if there is a bit of soluble food in the watering can once every couple of weeks.

It is generally more convenient to put support stakes in at planting time, rather than leaving it until there is foliage in the way.

Planting Companions for Dark Spirit

Use these dark flowers in a rich, late season bouquet, pairing them with other dahlias in deep orange and red and - if there has not been a frost - let them form the backbone of your Halloween arrangements.

It will provide a wonderful counterpoint to virtually everything - but like all very dark dahlias it does need a floral contrast. Either pale or bright vibrant shades look fantastic. By themselves flowers as deeply coloured, as Dark Spirit can get lost in the lengthening shadows of autumn.

If you ignore seed, Dahlias can be planted at three stages: as tubers, rooted cuttings and pot-grown plants.

Tubers can be planted at any time from March onwards. The hole should be at least double the diameter of the tuber laid out on the ground. Incorporate about 25% well rotted compost and if drainage is in any way doubtful then add plenty of horticultural grit as well. Plant one tuber per hole, leaving 60-80 cms between plants (depending on final size) and make sure the tuber is covered with 10-12 cms (4-5") of soil. This is important as it will insulate the tuber against frosts in March-May as they will take a couple of months to show.

Rooted cuttings, which are available from early April onwards, will need to be potted up and kept in a sunny and frost free place until they are ready to be planted out in mid May. Their treatment then is the same as for tubers except they are planted level with rather than 10 cms below the surrounding soil level.

Pot grown plants are not delivered until June, and are then planted out immediately in the same way as an established rooted cutting.

The more you deadhead, the more flowers you'll get.

Did You Know?

A Dutch variety from 2002. The flowers are small enough to be used in wearable floristry, like a corsage or even a Day of the Dead crown (fitting, since the dahlia originally came from Mexico).

It is often - incorrectly - listed as a pompom or ball type dahlia, but it is in fact a decorative dahlia. Important if you are exhibiting...