Plug Plant Competition
We are delighted that the plug plant competition is back for 2024. This is a chance to grow a beautiful dahlia which you can then bring along to form part of a colourful display in the Jubilee Hall in September.
This free to enter competition is part of our 'Supporting Community through Gardening' promise. These homegrown dahlias can be entered at the Autumn Show in 2024.
Follow the planting and growing instructions below and then display your plant in the Autumn Show in the Jubilee Hall on 14th September.
This free to enter competition is part of our 'Supporting Community through Gardening' promise. These homegrown dahlias can be entered at the Autumn Show in 2024.
Follow the planting and growing instructions below and then display your plant in the Autumn Show in the Jubilee Hall on 14th September.
Growing tips for Dahlias - the basics
The dahlia is a ‘Figaro Mix’ - this is a dwarf variety suitable for growing in pots. The pot (max 8”) must have plenty of drainage holes and we recommend using pot feet to lift it slightly off the ground to improve the drainage.
Use humus-rich, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. If you use multipurpose compost, your plant will thrive better by mixing it with some sifted garden soil. Either way, adding some fine gravel is also beneficial. Adding slow release fertiliser granules at planting time will save you from having to remember to liquid feed over the summer.
It ultimately needs a sunny position outside but while it’s still young and tender, keep it indoors, ideally somewhere moderately cool and bright. Harden it off gradually by putting it outside during daytime, remembering to take it in at night to escape slugs and severe cold.
Young, tender dahlia foliage is a big favourite of slugs so this hardening off process is important. Tempt slugs away from your plant by putting out a small shallow container (e.g. empty sardine tin) filled with the cheapest beer you can find.
Monitoring moisture regularly is vital. Never allow it to dry out or to stand in waterlogged conditions for any length of time. Spray the foliage with room temperature water to keep it happy in the drier atmosphere while it’s indoors.
Pay careful attention to growing conditions, watering, feeding, etc. Inspect your plant frequently for signs of pests or disease and turn to the internet for advice! Take a close-up photo with your phone and enlarge it to help comparison with internet illustrations.
Good luck and please exhibit your dahlia at our Autumn Show on Saturday 14th September.
Use humus-rich, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. If you use multipurpose compost, your plant will thrive better by mixing it with some sifted garden soil. Either way, adding some fine gravel is also beneficial. Adding slow release fertiliser granules at planting time will save you from having to remember to liquid feed over the summer.
It ultimately needs a sunny position outside but while it’s still young and tender, keep it indoors, ideally somewhere moderately cool and bright. Harden it off gradually by putting it outside during daytime, remembering to take it in at night to escape slugs and severe cold.
Young, tender dahlia foliage is a big favourite of slugs so this hardening off process is important. Tempt slugs away from your plant by putting out a small shallow container (e.g. empty sardine tin) filled with the cheapest beer you can find.
Monitoring moisture regularly is vital. Never allow it to dry out or to stand in waterlogged conditions for any length of time. Spray the foliage with room temperature water to keep it happy in the drier atmosphere while it’s indoors.
Pay careful attention to growing conditions, watering, feeding, etc. Inspect your plant frequently for signs of pests or disease and turn to the internet for advice! Take a close-up photo with your phone and enlarge it to help comparison with internet illustrations.
Good luck and please exhibit your dahlia at our Autumn Show on Saturday 14th September.