Berger's Record Dahlia Tubers

Berger's Record: Semi-Cactus Dahlia Tubers

Berger's Record Dahlias are far from subtle. This iconic red semi-cactus variety has flowers which, with their large heads of masses of quill-shaped pointed petals, look like exploding fireworks.

For dahlias that only grow to about 90 cm tall, Berger's Record can carry blooms of up to 20cm across on sturdy, upright stems, although you will have to nip out the side buds to get them this big. Most people prefer to have more flowers that are slightly smaller, unless they are for exhibition. Either way, they make wonderful subjects as cut flowers - just three in a vase is all that's needed, and they're long-lasting, too.
Browse our other Cactus Dahlias or our full range of Dahlias here.

Features

• Colour: Bright red petals
• Foliage: Dark green, divided
• Flower Size: 20cm
• Type: Semi-cactus Dahlia
• Cutting: Yes
• Height/Spread: 90cm x 40cm
• Flowering: July to November
• Outdoor Planting Months: March to July

Growing Berger's Record Dahlias

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.

They are quite compact plants and so will do well in pots but however you grow them it is important to stake them well and avoid a windy spot, as the heavy flower heads can snap off.

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 Berger's Record

This flower has quite a presence in the border, especially alongside other fiery-coloured dahlias and late-summer flowering perennials.

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?

Introduced in 1964 by Wilfried Bergerhoff, you'll also find Berger's Record listed as Berger's Rekord and Berger Record. The RHS Nomenclature Committee is overworked...

A favourite for the show bench, you'll often see Berger's Record Dahlias in local late summer flower shows. If you want to compete, remember to disbud to get the biggest flowers possible!