Dwarf Dahlia Dandy Improved Mix Seeds

Dahlia 'Dandy Improved Mix' is an excellent collection of semi-dwarf dahlias with eye-catching plain or bicoloured flowers in a wide array of colours, often featuring a dainty collarette. Perfect for cutting! Planted en masse, they will be a great addition to any garden, no matter how small, as well as terraces or balconies. This improved selection blooms prolifically from July until the first frosts. Ideal for borders, growing to the front of flowerbeds or in pots.

Dahlias belong to the Asteraceae family and are native to Mexico. Nowadays, some 20,000 horticultural varieties are grown in gardens all over the world. 'Dandy Improved Mix' is a semi-dwarf selection. The plants have a fairly compact, bushy habit and do not require support, growing to approximately 60 cm in height and 45 cm in width. The flowering period takes place from July to October. The 8 cm wide, simple, semi-double or fully double corollas are made up of one or several rows of ray flowers in a variety of bright shades including yellow, orange, pink, red, purple, mauve and white, and of a row of small tapered petals surrounding the yellow central disc. Blooms are often two toned, in harmonious or contrasting shades. The stems are well branched and hollow, bearing opposite leaves that are subdivided into 3 or 5 toothed lobes. Both leaves and stems are dark green. To encourage repeat flowering and extend the flowering period, take care to remove faded flowers regularly. Better still, cut the flowers regularly to create beautiful, colourful arrangements.

Dahlias are great for creating patches of colour towards the front of summer beds and borders. They combine well with Echinacea, Helenias and Cosmos or with the soft, feathery plumes of ornamental grasses such as Pennisetum villosum. This dwarf variety is particularly suitable for growing in pots and containers on the patio or balcony.