The Dahlia ‘Alfred Grille’ is a stunning cactus-type dahlia known for its wild, spiky, and fully double blooms. It features a vibrant gradient effect with a glowing lemon-yellow center that fades into soft salmon-pink and peach on the outer petals. The massive flowers can reach up to 20 cm in diameter. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Like all dahlias, ‘Alfred Grille’ doesn’t grow from a true bulb, but rather from an underground tuber system that stores nutrients. Here are a few key details about the tuber and how to grow it: [1]
- Growth Habits: This bushy, upright plant grows to about 90 cm tall and blooms from mid-summer through autumn. They make excellent, long-lasting cut flowers. [1, 2]
- Planting the Tuber: Plant the tuber in spring after the danger of hard frost has passed, ensuring it receives full sun and well-draining, fertile soil. Space them about 50 cm apart with the stem base just below the surface. [1, 2, 3, 4]
- Care and Maintenance: Pinch out the young growing tips when the plant reaches 20–30 cm tall to encourage bushier growth. Deadhead faded flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming and avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen to prevent leafy stems with fewer flowers. [1, 2, 3, 4]
- Winter Care: Because they are tender perennials, tubers must be dug up in autumn if you live in a frost-prone area, and stored in a cool, frost-free location over winter before replanting the next spring. [1, 2, 3]
