Dahlia – Golden Eye

Dahlia ‘Golden Eye’ is a charming ball variety that glows with soft yellow blooms, bringing a warm and sunny presence to your summer garden. This variety is known for its compact growth habit and strong stems that support a generous flush of flowers from mid-summer into autumn. Its bright blooms and tidy shape make it ideal for garden beds, containers, and cut flower arrangements.

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 are not able to plant the tubers upon arrival, store in a cool, dry, dark location.

Planting Information:

Plant dahlias after the last spring frost when the soil has warmed to at least 15°C. Choose a well-drained, rich, organic flower bed or planter. Loosen the soil to a depth of 30cm before planting. Mix compost and an all-purpose granular fertiliser into the soil. Dig a hole and plant the tuber with the eye or sprout facing upward. The top of the tuber should be positioned 8cm below the soil surface once filled in. Firm the soil gently and water well, making sure no air pockets remain. If planting in a container, ensure there is adequate drainage.

Tips for Growing Dahlias:

1. Avoid overwatering newly planted tubers—this is a common mistake. Water well at planting, then wait until you see the first sprouts before watering again.

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

3. Apply an organic water-soluble fertiliser every 3–4 weeks until March. Stop feeding thereafter to encourage better overwintering.

4. Deadhead regularly to promote continuous blooming. Remove faded flowers just above a leaf node using clean, sharp scissors.

5. Cut long stems for flower arrangements to encourage more branching and blooms. Although dahlias have a relatively short vase life, they make beautiful indoor displays.

6. Dahlias do not come true from seed, so preserve and multiply your favourites by caring for the tubers seasonally.

7. Tubers can be lifted and stored after the first frost. However, in most parts of South Africa, they can safely remain in the ground to overwinter and resprout in spring.