Dahlia Cactus – Gillian

Cactus Dahlia | Sunny Golden Yellow

Dahlia ‘Gillian’ is a vibrant cactus variety renowned for its bright golden-yellow blooms that radiate with energy. The narrow, pointed petals create a dynamic starburst effect—perfect for injecting lively texture and vivid colour into summer borders. Its long, sturdy stems also make it a standout choice for striking, long-lasting cut flower arrangements.

Tuber Count: 1
Plant Height: 90–120 cm
Plant Type: Tender perennial
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Blooms: Summer to First Frost
Plant Spacing: 45–60 cm
Plant Staking: Yes, to support tall stems and showy blooms

Dahlias are shipped as single tubers with at least one eye guaranteed. If you’re not planting immediately, store tubers in a cool, dry, dark place until planting time.

Planting Information:

Plant dahlias after the last spring frost, once soil temperatures reach approximately 15 °C. Choose a rich, well-drained flower bed or spacious planter. Dig to a depth of 30 cm, enrich the soil with compost and general-purpose granular fertiliser, then set the tuber with the eye facing up about 8 cm below the soil surface. Backfill, firm the soil to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly. Good drainage is essential, especially in containers.

Tips for Growing Dahlias:

• Avoid overwatering newly planted tubers—water once at planting, then only after shoots emerge.

• Water at the base and keep foliage dry to reduce disease risk. Deep-water once or twice weekly, letting the top 2.5 cm of soil dry slightly between watering.

• Apply organic, water-soluble fertiliser every 3–4 weeks until March, then stop to support tuber overwintering.

• Cut spent blooms just above a leaf node to encourage continuous flowering.

• Cutting long stems for arrangements promotes bushier growth and increased blooming.

• Dahlias don’t reliably grow from seed—preserve and multiply your favourites by storing and replanting tubers.

• In mild regions, tubers can remain in the ground over winter and will resprout the following spring. In colder areas, lift and store after the first frost.