Dahlia Café Au Lait

Plant Dahlia ‘Café au Lait’ tubers in spring once the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot with well‑drained soil.

• Plant tubers 10–15cm (4–6in) deep
• Position shoots facing upwards
• Water well after planting and during dry spells
• Add a mulch of compost or well‑rotted manure to help retain moisture and feed the plant

If you’re growing from a Café au Lait Dahlia potted plant, simply plant it out after frost and water regularly while it establishes.

Yes, Café au Lait grows beautifully in pots, provided you choose a large container to accommodate its size.

• Use a high‑quality peat‑free compost
• Use plant stakes early to support the huge blooms
• Feed every two weeks with a high‑potassium fertiliser (such as tomato feed) from midsummer onwards

Growing Café au Lait Dahlias in pots is ideal for patios, small gardens and cut‑flower growers who want easy access to blooms.

Café au Lait flowers from mid to late summer, usually from July onwards. With regular feeding and deadheading, it will continue blooming right up until the first frosts in October or November.

Cutting the flowers encourages even more buds, making it a superb choice for home florists. For more guidance on growing, take a look at our Dahlia growing article.