Dahlia Redskin seeds

The dwarf Dahlias in the 'Redskin' mixture, also known as Dahlia variabilis 'Redskin', produce a profusion of bronze foliage that serves as a backdrop for large single flowers, in a wide range of intense colours, including various shades of purple, orange, bronze, garnet and brown. This selection received the highest award in the United States at the time and remains one of the most beautiful achievements in the world of dahlias. The plants grow quickly and flower in the year of sowing, from July to the first frost. They are perfect for bouquets, at the front of borders, or in pots.

Dahlias, from the asteraceae family, are originally native to the high plateaus of Mexico. Currently, the some 20,000 horticultural varieties obtained by humans have invaded, much to our delight, gardens all over the world.

The 'Redskin' variety is a dwarf Dahlia. The plant will not exceed 35 cm (13.8 in) in all directions. It has a bushy and compact habit, not requiring staking. This variety flowers from July-October. The flower heads measure 8 cm (3.1 in) in diameter; they resemble pretty single corollas composed of a row of well-opened ligules in various vibrant colours, including purple, orange, bronze, garnet and brown, in an infinite gradation. The central disc is yellow. The very branched stems are hollow and the leaves are opposite and divided into 3 or 5 finely toothed lobes. The leaves and stems are an unusual and dark shade of bronze-green.

To encourage repeat flowering and extend the flowering period, take care to remove wilted flowers. Even better, regularly cut them to create charming colourful bouquets by combining various varieties.

The 'Redskin' Dahlias will create colourful spots at the front of borders, alongside Echinaceas, Helenies, and Cosmos, for example. They go well with the vibrant flowers of marigolds. Also consider combining them with Pennisetum villosum, a pretty feathery grass, to bring softness and delicacy to the decor. This variety is particularly suited to container cultivation, to easily adorn the terrace or balcony.

As a star plant for borders and cottage gardens, Dahlias confidently accompany the most beautiful flowers as well as the humble ones in the vegetable garden. They allow for beautiful flower pots or charming bouquets. In Mexico, this tuberous plant was first cultivated as a root vegetable for consumption. But its poor taste qualities assigned it the status of an ornamental plant. Since then, the interest in their beautiful exuberance has never waned.