Dahlia - Linda's Baby

Linda's Baby is a charming medium-sized ball dahlia adored for its perfectly formed blooms and soft, sherbet-toned colouring. Petals in shades of blush pink with peachy-yellow undertones give this variety a joyful, almost whimsical quality. Loved by flower farmers and home gardeners alike, this dahlia is celebrated for its excellent vase life and prolific blooming habit.

Standing around 100 cm tall, Linda's Baby thrives in full sun, making it a top choice for garden borders, flower patches, and cutting gardens. Whether in a bouquet or brightening up a summer bed, this dahlia brings cheerful energy to any setting.

When to Plant

Plant your tuber after the last frost in spring, once the soil has warmed to at least 15°C — typically early to mid-September, depending on your location.

At a Glance

• Tuber Count: 1 (with minimum one eye guaranteed)

• Plant Height: ± 100 cm

• Spacing Required: 45 cm

• Light Requirement: Full Sun

• Blooming Season: Summer through first frost

• Staking Needed: Yes — due to height and bloom weight

How to Plant

1. Select a well-draining, nutrient-rich flower bed or large container with good drainage.

2. Loosen soil to a depth of 30 cm, and enrich with compost and a balanced granular fertiliser.

3. Plant your tuber with the eye or sprout facing up, about 8 cm beneath the soil surface.

4. Backfill the hole, firm the soil gently, and water thoroughly to remove any air pockets.

5. For pots, ensure adequate drainage holes to avoid waterlogging.

Tips for Growing Linda's Baby

1. Avoid overwatering early on. Only water at planting, then wait for visible shoots before watering again. Too much moisture too soon can cause rot.

2. Keep foliage dry. Water deeply once or twice a week, letting the top 2.5 cm of soil dry between waterings.

3. Feed regularly. Apply an organic water-soluble fertiliser every 3—4 weeks through the season. Stop fertilising by March to help prepare the plant for dormancy.

4. Deadhead consistently. Snip off faded blooms above the nearest leaf junction to keep new flowers coming.

5. Cut flowers often. The more you cut, the more your plant will bloom. Long, strong stems make Linda's Baby a bouquet favourite.

6. Save your tubers. Dahlias don't reproduce true to type from seed. To preserve this variety, care for your tubers during the winter.

7. No lifting needed. In most parts of South Africa, tubers can remain in the ground through winter. Come spring, they'll return in full glory.

Storage Note

If you're not planting right away, keep tubers in a cool, dark, and dry place until conditions are right. Avoid dampness or exposure to light.