Dahlia - Wildbloom Reinette

Wildbloom Reinette is a striking formal decorative dahlia with large, radiant salmon pink blooms and a glowing lemon yellow centre. These beautiful flowers light up the garden all summer long, growing on tall, strong stems that make them ideal for the back of borders or for creating layers of colour in garden beds. This bold variety brings elegance and warmth wherever it grows.

With a height of around 120 cm, this dahlia thrives in full sun and is an excellent choice for both garden display and cutting for arrangements.

When to Plant

Plant your tuber after the last spring frost, when the soil has warmed to at least 15°C — typically around early to mid-September in most South African regions.

At a Glance

• Tuber Count: 1 (minimum one eye guaranteed)

• Plant Height: ± 120 cm

• Spacing Required: 45 cm

• Light Requirement: Full Sun

• Blooming Season: Summer through first frost

• Staking Needed: Yes — supports recommended for tall growth

How to Plant

1. Choose a well-drained, fertile garden bed or large pot with sufficient drainage.

2. Loosen the soil to a depth of 30 cm and incorporate compost and granular all-purpose fertiliser.

3. Place the tuber with the eye or sprouts facing upward, about 8 cm deep when backfilled.

4. Firm the soil gently, making it level with the surrounding ground, and water thoroughly to settle the soil.

5. If planting in containers, make sure there are ample drainage holes to prevent rot.

Tips for Growing Wildbloom Reinette

1. Avoid overwatering freshly planted tubers. After the initial watering, wait until you see new sprouts before watering again.

2. Keep foliage dry to prevent disease. Water deeply once or twice weekly, letting the top 2.5 cm of soil dry out between waterings.

3. Feed regularly. Apply a water-soluble organic fertiliser every 3—4 weeks. Stop fertilising by March to prepare tubers for dormancy.

4. Deadhead blooms to keep the plant flowering. Remove spent flowers just above the leaf joint using clean garden scissors.

5. Harvest long stems for flower arrangements to encourage branching and more blooms. Dahlias have a moderate vase life but are visually stunning.

6. Preserve tubers. Dahlias don't grow true from seed. If you want more of this variety, care for the tubers during and after the growing season.

7. Overwinter in-ground. In most parts of South Africa, tubers can safely remain in the soil through winter. They'll re-sprout next spring.

Storage Note

If you cannot plant your tuber right away, keep it in a cool, dark, and dry location until planting time. Avoid areas with high humidity or direct sunlight.