If you're dreaming of cheerful, sun-kissed blooms that practically glow in the garden, Preference is a must-grow. This tall, semi-cactus dahlia is a prolific bloomer, sending up loads of strong stems topped with delicate, ombré petals. The flowers fade from soft lemon yellow centres to warm peach and pink tips, giving you a sunset in bloom from midsummer right through to the first frost.
Reaching up to 1.2 metres, Preference brings both height and elegance to beds, borders, and cutting gardens. Plus, the more you pick, the more she blooms — it's a win-win!
When to Plant
Plant your tuber in spring, once the threat of frost has passed and soil temperatures are consistently above 15°C — typically from September onwards, depending on your region.
At a Glance
Tuber Count: 1 (with at least one growing eye guaranteed)
Height: Up to 120 cm
Spacing: 45 cm between plants
Sunlight: Needs full sun (6+ hours per day)
Bloom Time: Summer until the first frost
Staking: Yes — tall plants benefit from support
How to Plant
Choose a well-draining, sunny spot in the garden or a large container with good drainage.
Loosen the soil to about 30 cm deep and enrich it with compost and a balanced granular fertiliser.
Dig a hole, place the tuber with the eye or sprout facing upwards, and cover it with soil so the top of the tuber sits about 8 cm below the surface.
Press the soil down gently and water well to settle everything in.
Tip: Avoid waterlogging — dahlias prefer rich but airy soil.
Dahlia Care Tips
Watering: Water deeply when you first plant the tuber, then hold off until you see the first green shoots. After that, water once or twice a week, letting the top few centimetres of soil dry between waterings.
Feeding: A liquid organic fertiliser every 3—4 weeks will help produce abundant blooms and healthy plants. Stop feeding in March to encourage the tuber to harden off for winter.
Deadheading: Keep your plant blooming by trimming off faded flowers just above the first leaf junction with clean scissors.
Cutting Flowers: 'Preference' makes stunning bouquets. Cutting long stems encourages more flowers and bushier growth.
Disease Prevention: Try to water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry and reduce the risk of fungal issues.
Extra Growing Tips
Less is more early on — overwatering dormant tubers is the quickest way to lose them. Wait for sprouts before watering again.
Propagation: Dahlias like this one don't come true from seed, so divide and store your tubers if you'd like more plants next season.
Harvest often to get the most from this generous bloomer!
Overwintering in South Africa
Good news — in most regions here, you can leave your dahlia tubers in the ground over winter. They'll rest quietly and return with fresh new growth in spring. If you're in a particularly cold or wet area, you may choose to lift them and store them in a cool, dry, dark spot until planting time comes again.
Not Ready to Plant Yet?
Just keep your tuber in a cool, dry, dark place until you're ready to pop it into the ground.
