Dahlia Mister Blue

Dahlia Mister Blue: A Sumptuous Violet-Claret Tuber

Add rich “jewel” tones to your garden with the Dahlia Mister Blue tuber. This bushy, upright plant grows to a height of 100–120 cm with a spread of 50–60 cm. Its purple-tinged, hollow stems carry dozens of buds that open into fully-double, near-spherical blooms, 10–11 cm across. The petals open a sumptuous violet-claret with blue-violet highlights concentrated toward the flower’s center, and the color deepens as the bloom ages. This dahlia makes a stunning focal point for mid-border plantings and creates beautiful contrast when mixed with blush or pastel dahlias.

Dahlia Mister Blue is an excellent choice for luxurious winter bouquets. The stems last 7–9 days in water if harvested at the tight-bud to half-open stage. With consistent dead-heading or harvesting, you can expect to enjoy over 80 richly colored blooms per plant throughout the long flowering season from late November through March. A stake is recommended for windy beds to support the abundant blooms and sturdy stems.

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

• Mid-border “jewel” tones or mixed with blush/pastel dahlias for contrast.
• Large patio containers (≥ 40 cm).
• Luxurious winter bouquets—stems last 7–9 days.

Planting & Care Guide

• Light: Full sun ≥ 4 h; provide 30% shade-cloth if temperatures exceed 40°C during establishment.
• Soil: Deep, fertile, perfectly drained; work 5 L of mature 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 bushier plants; dead-head or harvest promptly to expect 80+ richly coloured blooms.