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Dahlia Black Forest Ruby seeds

Dahlia pinnata Black Forest Ruby

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More information

A compact and floriferous variety remarkable for its semi-double to double ruby-red flowers that contrast beautifully with near-black foliage. Planted en masse, it will suit all gardens, even the smallest ones, as borders, at the front of beds, or in pots, and for creating superb cut flower arrangements. It prefers a sunny position and rich, cool, but well-drained soil, with regular watering without excess for continuous flowering from summer until the first frosts. Sow under cover in late winter. Note that with this variety: 3-5% of plants will produce orange flowers.  
Flower size
5 cm
Height at maturity
50 cm
Exposure
Sun
Germination time (days)
15 days
Sowing method
Sowing under cover
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Sowing period February to May
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Flowering time June to October
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Description

The Dahlia ‘Black Forest Ruby’ is a dwarf variety with striking charm, ideal for small spaces and sunny borders. Its compact, upright, and well-branched habit showcases its semi-double to double ruby-red flowers against a dark purple to almost black foliage. This spectacular contrast makes it a highly graphic plant perfect for flower pots, modern beds, or even romantic-style gardens. It thrives in rich, well-drained soil in a sunny position and requires protection from frost: the tubercles must be lifted before winter in cold regions. Its generous flowering lasts from June until the first frosts, provided that spent flowers are regularly removed.

From the Asteraceae family, Dahlias are originally native to the Mexican highlands. Today, the approximately 20,000 horticultural varieties created by humans have, to our great delight, spread to gardens worldwide. The 'Black Forest Ruby' variety is a dwarf Dahlia derived from Dahlia pinnata, also known as Common Dahlia or Pinnate Dahlia, with the botanical synonyms: Dahlia x hortensis, Dahlia rosea, Georgina variabilis, Dahlia variabilis. The plant reaches 40 to 60 cm in all directions, it has a bushy and compact habit, requiring no staking. The flowering of this variety occurs from June to October. The heads measure 5 cm in diameter, taking the form of attractive semi-double to double corollas formed of a string of well-opened ligulate florets in varied colours. The central disc is yellow. The highly ramified stems are hollow and the leaves are opposite and subdivide into 3 or 5 highly denticulate lobes. The leaves and stems are an almost black dark purple. To encourage repeat flowering and extend the flowering period, be sure to remove spent flowers. Even better, cut them regularly to create charming colourful vase arrangements by combining various varieties.

The Dahlia 'Black Forest Ruby' is a major asset for contrasting displays. Its brilliant ruby-red flowers against an almost black foliage will add intensity to sunny borders and beds. To accentuate this depth, pair it with Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' whose upright violet spikes offer elegant verticality, in harmony with Coneflowers and Cosmos, for example. A few clumps of small ornamental grasses will soften the display. In pots or in the ground, these combinations will create dynamic and sophisticated landscapes.

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Dahlia: planting, care, and growing tips
Family sheet
by Virginie T. 19 min.
Dahlia: planting, care, and growing tips
Read article

Dahlia Black Forest Ruby seeds in pictures

Dahlia Black Forest Ruby seeds (Flowering) Flowering
Dahlia Black Forest Ruby seeds (Plant habit) Plant habit

Flowering

Flower colour red
Flowering time June to October
Inflorescence Flower head
Flower size 5 cm
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour black

Plant habit

Height at maturity 50 cm
Spread at maturity 45 cm
Growth rate normal

Botanical data

Genus

Dahlia

Species

pinnata

Cultivar

Black Forest Ruby

Family

Asteraceae

Botanical synonyms

Dahlia x hortensis, Dahlia rosea, Georgina variabilis, Dahlia variabilis

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference • 24497

Planting and care

Sow the Dahlia Black Forest Ruby in February-March in trays or pots using a special sowing compost, placed in a mini greenhouse or warm location to maintain a temperature of 18–20°C. The seeds should be covered with 1.5 mm of fine compost. Germination will occur within 7 to 21 days. Transplant the young plants into 8 cm pots once they are large enough to handle, taking care not to damage the roots. Harden off these seedlings gradually, and transplant them once all risk of frosts has passed, spacing them 30 cm apart. Plant Dahlias in a full sun position after the last frosts; rich, cool, well-drained soil is ideal. However, stagnant moisture would encourage tubercle rot. Do not hesitate to amend the soil with compost and sand if needed. Work the soil deeply and enrich it, for example, with ground horn or dried blood. After planting, water thoroughly once and then repeat this watering regularly for the first 6 weeks to aid root establishment. Dahlias are sensitive to cold and must be overwintered. In November, the first frosts will blacken the foliage—this is the time to lift them. Carefully dig up the tubercles. Remove as much soil as possible. Allow the foliage to dry so the tubercles can replenish their reserves. Then cut the stems back to 10 cm. Spread the bulbs in a crate on newspaper. Store them in a frost-free, dry, cool, and dark place, such as a frost-free garage or an attic. In southern coastals regions with only a few frosty days per year, it is possible to leave them in the ground. In this case, simply cover the soil with a layer of leaves or straw for protection over winter.

Sowing period

Sowing period February to May
Sowing method Sowing under cover
Germination time (days) 15 days

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow
Type of use Edge of border, Cut flowers, Small gardens, Container, Slope
Hardiness Hardy down to -6.5°C (USDA zone 9a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Experienced
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil moisture Moist soil, Well-draining, fertile

Planting & care advice

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