Save 58%

Dahlia Cactus Preference

£4.99 £11.99

BULB1023

Pack Size: 1 Bulb

1 Bulb

Product variants

Out of stock

Share:

Share

Free Next Day Delivery (Delivery Rules Apply)

4.8 Star Rating & Trusted by Over a Million Gardeners

Get in contact if you have any questions

Product Description

Dahlia Cactus Preference

Dahlia Cactus 'Preference' Bulb Dahlia 'Preference' is a beautiful, soft-toned variety that brings a warm, peachy-pink glow to garden borders, beds, and containers. Known for its compact, bushy growth and consistent flowering from midsummer to the first frost, this dahlia is ideal for creating soft, romantic displays. Its pastel-coloured blooms complement a variety of planting schemes and make an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements, adding a gentle, elegant touch indoors. Easy to grow and reliable in UK gardens, Dahlia 'Preference' is a charming addition to any summer and autumn display.
The blooms of Dahlia 'Preference' are delicate and softly shaded in peach-pink tones, with a hint of apricot at the centre that gradually fades to a lighter edge. Each flower head is about 10-15cm in diameter, with fully double petals arranged in a soft, rounded shape. This warm colour palette brings a serene feel to the garden, and the flowers’ gentle hues pair beautifully with both bolder and pastel companions. The blooms sit atop sturdy green stems, providing excellent structure and making them perfect for both garden display and cutting.
How to Grow
Planting: Plant Dahlia 'Preference' tubers in spring, after the last frost, in a sunny, well-drained location. Plant the tubers about 10-15cm deep with the “eye” or growth point facing upwards, and space them approximately 45-60cm apart to allow ample room for their bushy growth.
Watering: Water the tubers thoroughly after planting to help them establish. Once the shoots appear, water consistently, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. In hot or dry weather, water deeply once or twice a week.
Feeding: Feed with a high-potassium fertiliser, such as tomato feed, every two weeks from the onset of flowering. This will encourage healthy, abundant blooms throughout the season.
Staking: Although Dahlia 'Preference' is a compact grower, the flower heads are heavy, so light staking may be beneficial to support the stems. Insert supports when planting to avoid disturbing the tubers later, and loosely tie the stems as they grow.
Deadheading and Maintenance: Regularly deadhead faded blooms to encourage a continuous display of fresh flowers. After the first frost, cut back the foliage, and either lift and store the tubers or apply a layer of mulch if you choose to leave them in the ground over winter.
Overwintering: In colder areas of the UK, it’s best to lift and store dahlia tubers after the first frost. Allow them to dry, then store in a cool, frost-free place in slightly damp compost until replanting in spring. In milder regions, a layer of mulch should provide sufficient protection for overwintering in the ground.
With its lovely peachy-pink blooms and easy care requirements, Dahlia 'Preference' is a beautiful, low-maintenance choice for adding soft colour and elegance to UK gardens. Perfect for both garden displays and flower arrangements, this dahlia variety offers a warm, welcoming charm that enhances any summer to autumn setting.
Pack contains 1 bulb

Specs & Details

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

Features

Thrives Full Sun

Plant Calendar

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Plant

Harvest

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.