Dahlia – Copper Boy

If you’re looking for something bold and a little different, Copper Boy might just be your new favourite! This eye-catching ball dahlia is known for its glowing copper-toned blooms — a rich mix of bronze, burnt orange, and deep red that truly stands out in the garden or a bouquet. With strong, upright stems, it holds its flowers beautifully, even when the wind picks up, making it a great choice for exposed spots.

Ideal for cutting and arranging, Copper Boy adds warmth, texture, and vibrancy to both the garden and the vase.

When to Plant

Plant your Copper Boy tuber in spring, after the last frost when the soil temperature has warmed to at least 15°C. This is usually from September onward, depending on your region.

At a Glance

• Tuber Count: 1 (we guarantee at least one growing eye)

• Height: Grows up to 100 cm

• Spacing: 45 cm between plants

• Sunlight: Loves full sun – aim for 6+ hours per day

• Blooming Time: From summer through to the first frost

• Staking: Yes – helps support the stems and large blooms

How to Plant

1. Choose a sunny, well-draining spot in your garden or a big pot with drainage holes.

2. Loosen the soil to a depth of about 30 cm, and work in compost and a general-purpose granular fertiliser.

3. Place the tuber in the hole with the eye or sprout facing up. It should sit about 8 cm below the soil surface.

4. Backfill the hole, press the soil down gently, and water well to settle it in.

Tip: Avoid compacted or soggy soil — dahlias hate “wet feet.”

Caring for Your Dahlia

• Watering: Give the tuber a good soak when planting, then hold off watering again until you see signs of growth. After that, water deeply once or twice a week, allowing the soil surface to dry between waterings.

• Feeding: Feed with an organic water-soluble fertiliser every 3–4 weeks until March. This gives the plant energy to bloom while also encouraging strong tuber development.

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent blooms to keep the plant flowering. Snip just above a leaf node using clean, sharp scissors.

• Cut Flowers: Cutting for the vase encourages new blooms and branching. Copper Boy looks amazing in mixed arrangements with blush, burgundy, or ivory flowers.

• Keep Leaves Dry: Water at the base where possible to prevent moisture-related diseases.

Extra Tips for Success

• Don’t overwater early on – wait for visible growth before getting into a watering routine.

• Propagation: Dahlias don’t grow true from seed, so tubers are the best way to multiply your stock.

• Harvest the blooms often – they’ll reward you with even more!

Winter Care in South Africa

In most parts of the country, you can simply leave your tubers in the ground over winter. They’ll rest during the cooler months and pop up again next spring. In colder or wetter regions, you may prefer to lift and store them somewhere cool, dry, and dark.

Not Planting Right Away?

No worries! Store your tuber in a dry, dark place at a cool temperature until you’re ready to plant.