Dahlia – Arabian Night

Formal Decorative Dahlia | Deep Burgundy-Maroon

Dahlia ‘Arabian Night’ is a dramatic formal decorative variety, prized for its velvety, dusky blooms in rich burgundy-maroon. One of the darkest dahlias available, its sultry colouring brings depth and contrast to summer borders and adds bold sophistication to cut flower arrangements. A true standout both in the garden and the vase.

Tuber Count: 1
Plant Height: 100cm
Plant Type: Tender perennial
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Blooms: Summer to First Frost
Plant Spacing: 45cm
Plant Staking: Yes, due to plant height

Dahlias are shipped as single tubers with a minimum of one eye guaranteed. If you’re not ready to plant upon arrival, store tubers in a cool, dry, dark place until planting time.

Planting Information:

Plant dahlias after the last spring frost, once soil temperatures reach 15°C. Choose a rich, well-drained flower bed or planter. Loosen the soil to a depth of 30cm and enrich with compost and all-purpose granular fertiliser. Plant the tuber with the eye or sprout facing upwards, positioning the top of the tuber 8cm below the soil surface. Fill in around the tuber, press the soil down firmly, and water well to eliminate air pockets. Ensure containers have sufficient drainage.

Tips for Growing Dahlias:

1. Avoid overwatering newly planted tubers—this can cause rot. Water once at planting, then wait until shoots appear before watering again.

2. Water at the base and keep foliage dry to minimise disease. Deep water once or twice a week, allowing the top 2.5cm of soil to dry out between waterings.

3. Feed with organic, water-soluble fertiliser every 3–4 weeks until March. Stop fertilising thereafter to encourage better tuber overwintering.

4. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. Snip just above a leaf node using clean garden scissors.

5. Cutting long stems for arrangements encourages bushier growth and more blooms.

6. Dahlias do not reliably grow from seed—preserve and multiply your favourite varieties by caring for your tubers.

7. In most parts of South Africa, tubers can remain in the ground over winter and will resprout the following spring. In colder areas, lift and store after the first frost.