The Belmonte Cactus Dahlia is a striking, starburst-type summer bloomer that produces large, spiky, and vibrant pink flowers. Typically sold as a dormant tuber (often referred to as a bulb), it grows beautifully in garden borders or containers, offering brilliant color from mid-summer until the first frost. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Growing Guidelines:
- Planting Time: Plant between October and December, after the last frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed up. [1, 2]
- Depth & Spacing: Bury the tuber about 8 cm to 15 cm deep with the pointy tips facing down, spaced 30 cm to 40 cm apart. [1, 2, 3]
- Sun & Soil: Place in a full-sun location with rich, well-draining soil. If your soil contains too much clay, amend it with compost and sand. [1]
- Water & Feeding: Water deeply every 3 to 4 days during hot, dry spells, but avoid waterlogged soil. Apply a bulb-specific fertilizer during the active growth period. [1, 2]
- Pruning: Pinch back the center stem when the plant reaches about 1 foot tall for bushier growth, and regularly deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. [1, 2]
