Dahlia Caramel

Dahlia Caramel: A Warm Burnt-Orange and Gold Tuber

Add a warm, autumnal palette to your garden with the Dahlia Caramel tuber. This bushy, upright plant grows to a height of 100–110 cm with a spread of 50–60 cm. Its reddish-brown, hollow stems hold fully-double blooms, 10–11 cm across, in a rich mix of burnt-orange, caramel, and gold. The tightly packed, flattened petals give each flower a tidy formal look, and in the winter border, they resemble beautiful “mini-pumpkins.” This dahlia is a stunning focal point for warm-toned beds and can be used to create stunning autumn-themed bouquets.

Dahlia Caramel is a fantastic cut-flower workhorse, with stems lasting 7–9 days in a vase if harvested at the half-open stage. The vibrant caramel tones stay rich and vivid, making it a reliable choice for long-lasting arrangements. With consistent dead-heading and maintenance, you can expect to enjoy over 80 of these beautiful blooms per plant throughout the long flowering season from late November through March.

Growing Calendar

• Plant tubers: mid-September (when daytime highs are ≤ 38°C).
• First blooms: late November – early December.
• Peak display: December – March.
• Cut back / rest: early May.

Best Uses

• Warm-toned winter beds and autumn-coloured bouquets.
• Large patio containers (≥ 40 cm).
• Cut-flower workhorse—stems last 7–9 days.

Planting & Care Guide

• Light: Full sun ≥ 4 h; erect 30% shade-cloth if temperatures exceed 40°C while plants establish.
• Soil: Deep, fertile, perfectly drained. Work 5 L of finished compost and ½ cup of crab & lobster shell meal into each hole.
• Depth & spacing: Plant tuber 10 cm deep, 45 cm apart; insert a stake at planting.
• Water: After shoots appear, deep-soak every 3–4 days; let the top 3 cm of soil dry between irrigations.
• Feed (Fertilizing): Monthly low-nitrogen organic bloom fertiliser (~3-6-4) until late February, then stop.
• Maintenance: Pinch at 35 cm for extra branches; dead-head or harvest promptly to expect 80+ caramel blooms.