Product specifications and features

Product Description

Dahlia Ball Sylvia

Dahlia Ball 'Sylvia' Dahlia 'Sylvia' is a stunning and reliable variety that produces an abundance of warm orange, ball-shaped blooms, adding vibrant colour to any garden. Known for its compact, sturdy growth and impressive flowering period from midsummer through autumn, this dahlia is perfect for borders, beds, and containers. Its long-lasting flowers make it an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements, bringing a burst of sunshine indoors. Hardy in the UK climate with proper care, Dahlia 'Sylvia' is a standout addition to gardens, blending beautifully with other summer blooms.
The blooms of Dahlia 'Sylvia' are striking ball-shaped flowers with densely packed, perfectly arranged petals in a warm, vibrant orange. Each flower measures up to 10cm in diameter, with a rounded, pom-pom-like structure that creates a bold yet elegant display. The rich orange hue stands out beautifully against the dark green foliage, adding warmth and depth to borders and mixed plantings. The blooms are long-lasting and attract pollinators, enhancing the beauty of your garden throughout the summer and autumn.
How to Grow
Planting: Plant Dahlia 'Sylvia' tubers in spring after the last frost, in a sunny spot with well-drained, fertile soil. Plant the tubers about 10-15cm deep, with the ‘eye’ or growth point facing upwards, and space them around 45-60cm apart to allow ample room for growth.
Watering: Water the tubers well after planting to help them establish. Once shoots appear, water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During dry spells, a deep watering once or twice a week will encourage strong growth and abundant blooms.
Feeding: Apply a high-potassium fertiliser, such as tomato feed, every two weeks during the flowering season to support vigorous blooms. Start feeding once the first buds appear and continue until the end of flowering.
Staking: Although Dahlia 'Sylvia' has a compact growth habit, it benefits from staking or plant supports, particularly in windy areas. Insert supports at planting time to avoid disturbing the tubers, and tie the stems loosely to prevent breakage.
Deadheading and Maintenance: Regularly deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season. After the first frost, cut back the foliage and either lift and store the tubers indoors or add a protective layer of mulch if leaving them in the ground.
Overwintering: In colder UK regions, it’s best to lift and store the tubers after the first frost. Allow them to dry, then store them in a cool, frost-free place in slightly damp compost until replanting in spring. In milder areas, mulching the soil surface can provide sufficient protection.
With its rich orange blooms and ease of care, Dahlia 'Sylvia' is a beautiful, low-maintenance addition to any garden, providing vibrant colour from summer through autumn. Ideal for both garden displays and cut flower arrangements, this dahlia is a true garden staple that adds warmth, texture, and cheer to UK gardens year after year.
Pack contains 1 bulb

Specs & Details

Established height
90-120cm
Established spread
30-60cm
Plant spacing
6 bulbs per m²
Flower colour
Orange
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Bushy

Features

  • Thrives Full Sun

Plant Calendar

 

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Plant

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
From March To April

Harvest

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
From April To May

FAQs

Please read our FAQs page to find out more.

When can I plant dahlia tubers in the UK?

Dahlia tubers can be started indoors in spring, then planted outside once the risk of frost has passed. In most parts of the UK this is usually from late May, while colder areas may need to wait until early June. If you are searching for dahlia tubers ready to plant, they can also be planted directly into the ground from mid to late April, although growth will be slower until the weather warms up. Dahlias are tender plants, so new shoots must be protected from frost.

Why have my dahlia tubers not sprouted or grown?

Dahlia tubers can be slow to sprout, particularly in cool conditions. They need warmth, good light and only lightly moist compost while they are starting into growth. Cold, wet compost is one of the most common reasons a dahlia tuber fails, as overwatering can quickly cause rot before shoots appear. Check that the old stem or growing point is facing upwards and sits just below the compost surface. Some tubers take longer than others, so give them time before assuming they will not grow.

Are dry or broken dahlia tubers still okay to plant?

Dahlia tubers can look wrinkled or slightly dry while dormant, particularly after delivery. They can still grow if they remain firm and are attached to a section containing a viable growing point, often known as the crown or old stem area. A tuber that has broken away without any crown tissue is unlikely to produce shoots on its own. Do not plant tubers that are soft, wet, badly mouldy or hollow, as these are signs of rot or serious deterioration.

Will my dahlias flower in the colour shown on the product page?

Dahlia tubers should produce flowers in the colour and form described on the product page. Natural flowers can look slightly different in shade depending on sunlight, weather and soil conditions, while product images can also appear brighter or darker across different screens. Dahlias flower from summer into autumn, often continuing until the first frosts. A sunny position, regular watering during dry weather and removing faded blooms will help plants produce the strongest display.

Are dahlias hardy, and will they come back next year?

Dahlias are not fully hardy in most of the UK and will not tolerate frost. After the first frost has blackened the foliage, cut the stems back and lift the tubers to store somewhere dry and frost-free over winter. They can then be replanted the following spring. In very mild areas, some gardeners leave tubers in the ground under a thick mulch, but lifting them is the safer option, particularly in colder or wetter areas.

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