Dahlia – Silver Years

Silver Years is a refined waterlily-type dahlia with large, luminous blooms that open in a soft blush tone. Each petal fades into a creamy centre and finishes with a delicate hint of purple on the tip, giving this variety an elegant and unique appearance. With strong, upright stems and exceptional flower production, Silver Years is equally well-suited to garden beds and cut flower arrangements. Expect a steady stream of blooms throughout summer and well into autumn.

When to Plant

Plant after the last spring frost, once the soil has warmed to at least 15°C — generally around early to mid-September in most areas of South Africa.

At a Glance

• Tuber Count: 1 (minimum one eye guaranteed)

• Plant Height: ± 100 cm

• Spacing Required: 45 cm

• Light Requirement: Full Sun

• Blooming Season: Summer through first frost

• Staking Needed: Yes – due to tall stems and large blooms

How to Plant

1. Choose a rich, well-draining flower bed or container.

2. Loosen soil to a depth of 30 cm, then mix in compost and a balanced all-purpose granular fertiliser.

3. Position the tuber with the eye or sprout facing upwards, planting it so the top of the tuber sits approximately 8 cm below the soil surface.

4. Backfill, press soil down firmly to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly.

5. When planting in containers, ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogging.

Tips for Growing Silver Years

1. Avoid overwatering newly planted tubers. Water well after planting, then wait for visible sprouts before watering again.

2. Keep foliage as dry as possible. Water deeply once or twice a week, allowing the top 2.5 cm of soil to dry out between waterings.

3. Feed plants with an organic water-soluble fertiliser every 3–4 weeks until March, then stop to encourage dormancy.

4. Deadhead regularly to extend blooming — snip off faded blooms just above a leaf junction using clean, sharp garden scissors.

5. Harvest long stems for flower arrangements to stimulate branching and boost bloom production. The flowers are exquisite in vases despite a shorter vase life.

6. Dahlias are not true-to-seed plants. To expand your stock, ensure proper winter care of the tubers.

7. In most parts of South Africa, there is no need to lift the tubers — simply leave them in the ground to overwinter, and they will sprout again in spring.

Storage Note

If you’re not ready to plant upon arrival, store tubers in a cool, dry, dark area until planting time. Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.