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Decorative Dahlia | Dramatic Deep Burgundy-Black
Dahlia 'Black Jack' is a striking decorative dahlia celebrated for its velvety, near-black blooms in rich shades of deep burgundy and mahogany. Bold, dramatic, and undeniably elegant, this variety adds instant sophistication to garden borders, cutting gardens, and floral arrangements. Its large, beautifully formed blooms make a breathtaking statement in mixed bouquets, moody wedding work, and late-summer displays.
A true showstopper for those who love dramatic colour in the garden.
Clump Count: 1 Dahlia Clump
Plant Height: 100—120cm
Plant Type: Tender perennial
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Blooms: Summer through to first frost
Plant Spacing: 45—60cm
Plant Staking: Yes, recommended due to bloom size and plant height
Our dahlias are supplied as 1 healthy dahlia clump, ready for planting once conditions are ideal. If planting is delayed, keep your clump in a cool, dry, dark, well-ventilated space until ready to plant.
Dahlias thrive in South African gardens when planted in spring, once the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed to around 15°C or above. In most parts of South Africa, this is typically from September to November, depending on your region.
Choose a sunny position with at least 6—8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Dahlias perform best in rich, fertile, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.
Prepare your planting area by loosening the soil to approximately 30cm deep, incorporating generous compost and a balanced granular fertiliser before planting.
Plant your dahlia clump with the growing points facing upwards, approximately 8—10cm below the soil surface. Firm the soil gently around the clump to eliminate air pockets and water thoroughly after planting.
For containers, ensure excellent drainage and use a premium-quality potting mix enriched with compost.
Watering:
Avoid excessive watering immediately after planting, as dormant tubers can rot in overly wet soil. Water well once after planting, then allow the soil to remain only lightly moist until new growth appears.
Once actively growing, water deeply once or twice weekly, adjusting according to heat and rainfall. Sandy soils may require more frequent watering.
Feeding:
Dahlias are hungry growers and reward regular feeding. Apply a liquid or water-soluble fertiliser every 2—3 weeks during active growth. Reduce feeding toward late autumn to encourage dormancy and healthy tuber development.
Staking:
'Black Jack' produces large dramatic blooms on tall stems, so staking is highly recommended to protect stems from wind damage and heavy flowers.
Deadheading:
Remove spent flowers regularly by cutting just above a leaf node. This encourages continuous flowering and keeps plants looking neat and productive.
Cut Flowers:
The more you cut, the more your dahlia flowers. Harvest blooms regularly for the vase to encourage branching and continuous flushes of flowers.
Overwintering in South Africa:
In many milder South African regions, dahlia clumps can remain in the ground over winter with good drainage. In colder frost-prone areas, lift and store once foliage dies back.
With its rich moody colouring and luxurious velvety blooms, Dahlia 'Black Jack' is a must-have for gardeners wanting bold drama and unforgettable floral displays.
