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Cactus Dahlia | Electrifying Pink & White Blooms
Dahlia 'Electric Light' is a dazzling cactus dahlia that lives up to its name with vivid, eye-catching blooms in striking shades of white, blush pink, cerise, and rich rosy tones. Its elegantly twisted, pointed petals create that unmistakable spiky cactus form, adding movement, texture, and dramatic flair to both the garden and the vase.
A true showstopper, this variety produces masses of bold blooms on strong stems throughout summer, making it an exceptional choice for garden borders, cutting gardens, and statement floral arrangements.
Clump Count: 1 Dahlia Clump
Plant Height: 90—120cm
Plant Type: Tender perennial
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Blooms: Summer through to first frost
Plant Spacing: 45—60cm
Plant Staking: Recommended, especially in windy areas
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 beautifully across South Africa when planted in spring, once all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed to around 15°C or above. In most regions, this is typically from September to November.
Choose a sunny, sheltered position with at least 6—8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Dahlias perform best in fertile, well-draining soil enriched with compost and organic matter.
Prepare your planting area by loosening the soil to approximately 30cm deep, incorporating 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 and water thoroughly after planting.
For containers, use a large pot with excellent drainage and a premium-quality potting mix.
Watering:
Avoid overwatering immediately after planting, as dormant tubers can rot in wet soil. Water well once after planting, then wait until active growth appears before watering regularly.
Once growing strongly, water deeply once or twice weekly, increasing frequency during hot weather or in sandy soils.
Feeding:
Feed every 2—3 weeks with a liquid or water-soluble fertiliser during active growth to encourage continuous flowering and healthy clump development.
Staking:
While not as heavy-headed as dinnerplate varieties, taller plants still benefit from support, particularly in windy conditions.
Deadheading:
Regular removal of spent blooms encourages continuous flowering and keeps plants neat and productive.
Cut Flowers:
An excellent cut flower variety with long stems and exceptional visual impact. The more you cut, the more it flowers.
Overwintering in South Africa:
In many milder regions, clumps can remain in the ground if drainage is excellent. In colder frost-prone areas, lift and store after foliage dies back.
With its vibrant electric colouring and beautifully sculpted cactus blooms, Dahlia 'Electric Light' brings pure energy and drama to the summer garden.