Dahlia Nicholas

Dahlia Nicholas: A Warm Apricot-to-Red Ombré Tuber

Bring warm, glowing tones to your garden with the Dahlia Nicholas tuber. This upright, well-branched plant grows to a height of 105–120 cm with a spread of 55–65 cm. Its strong, hollow stems carry dozens of buds that open into gently rounded, double blooms, 15 cm across. The outer petals glow apricot-peach, while their bases flush a deep rusty-red, creating a warm ombré effect that intensifies in cooler nights. This dahlia is an ideal choice for creating warm-toned winter borders and stunning “pumpkin-spice” themed beds.

Dahlia Nicholas is a spectacular focal flower for bouquets, with a vase life of 5–7 days when cut at the half-open stage. It pairs beautifully with bronze grasses and burgundy dahlias, adding depth and warmth to any arrangement. With consistent dead-heading and maintenance, you can expect to enjoy over 70 of these glowing blooms per plant throughout the long flowering season from early December through March.

Growing Calendar

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

Best Uses

• Warm-toned winter borders and “pumpkin-spice” themed beds.
• Large patio tubs (≥ 45 cm).
• Bouquet focal flower (vase life 5–7 days)—pairs beautifully with bronze grasses and burgundy dahlias.

Planting & Care Guide

• Light: Full sun ≥ 4 h; erect 30% shade-cloth if temperatures exceed 40°C during establishment.
• Soil: Deep, fertile, perfectly drained; mix 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; set a stake at planting.
• Water: After shoots appear, deep-soak every 3–4 days; let the top 3 cm of soil dry between soakings.
• Feed (Fertilizing): Monthly low-nitrogen organic bloom fertiliser (~3-6-4) until late February, then stop.
• Maintenance: Pinch at 35 cm for more branches; dead-head or harvest stems promptly to expect 70+ glowing blooms.