Preference Cactus Dahlia – Apricot Blooms with a Touch of Elegance 🌸

Turn your garden into a masterpiece with the Preference Cactus Dahlia. Known for its dramatic apricot blossoms tipped with soft pink, this variety brings a unique, starburst display that looks almost sculpted by nature. A favourite among collectors and cut-flower enthusiasts, it’s perfect for adding texture, vibrancy, and sophistication to borders, beds, and floral arrangements.

Fun fact: Dahlia petals are edible! Add a splash of colour to salads or use them as natural garnish for a beautiful, home-grown touch at your table.

Why Gardeners Love Preference Cactus Dahlias

• 🌼 Show-stopping colour – apricot and pink blooms that glow in the summer sun.

• ✂️ Perfect cut flowers – long, sturdy stems make them ideal for arrangements.

• 🌱 Reliable performers – thrive in South African gardens with minimal fuss.

• 🍃 Multi-season beauty – lush green foliage and flowers from December right through to May.

• 🌞 Joyful in full sun – radiant flowers that reward you for giving them warmth and light.

Growing Tips for South African Gardens 🌿

Soil: Plant in well-draining soil enriched with compost. If your soil is clay-heavy, mix in sand and organic matter for better drainage. Apply mulch to keep roots cool and conserve water.

Sunlight: Dahlias love full sun. In the Highveld, a little midday shade helps reduce water stress during the hottest months.

Planting:

• Time: October to December.

• Depth: 8 cm deep, with the tubers pointing down.

• Spacing: 30–40 cm apart to allow good airflow and strong growth.

Watering: Water deeply every 3–4 days in the ground for about 10 minutes. In very hot weather, check soil moisture and adjust.

Feeding: Regularly feed with a quality bulb fertiliser, such as Hadeco Bulb Food, for stronger stems and bigger blooms.

Care & Maintenance:

• Stake taller stems to prevent wind damage.

• Pinch back tips to encourage bushier growth.

• Remove side buds if you want fewer but larger flowers.

• Watch for signs of disease (yellowing or mottled leaves); remove affected plants promptly.

Dormancy & Lifting: Dahlias go dormant from May to August. Cut stems back in July, lift tubers carefully, and store in a cool, dry spot if needed. Replant again in spring for another dazzling display.

Bring home the Preference Cactus Dahlia and let its elegant blooms transform your garden into a living work of art. 🌸

Family: Asteraceae 
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Planting time: October – December 
Flowering time: December - May
Dormant: May – August
Lifting time: July
Type: tuberous root
Mature height: 20-180cm
Planting depth: 8cm deep. Do not separate the tubers and roots from the clump. 
Plant spacing: 15-40cm apart
Watering: Every 3-4 days when planted in the ground for 10 minutes