Garden hybrid
Dahlia x hybridaGarden Dahlia16 other cultivars
‘Mix’Dahlia Mix
‘Dinnerplate Blend’Dinnerplate Dahlia
‘Bishop's Children’Bishop's Children Dahlia
‘Café au Lait’Café au Lait Dahlia
‘Orange’Orange Dahlia
‘Arabian Night’Arabian Night Dahlia
‘Sagitta’Dahlia Sagitta
‘Seattle’Seattle Dahlia
‘Firepot’Firepot Dahlia
‘Labyrinth’Dahlia Labyrinth
‘Bishop of Canterbury’Bishop of Canterbury Dahlia
‘Bishop of Leicester’Bishop of Leicester Dahlia
‘Red Labyrinth’Red Labyrinth Dahlia
‘Lisonette Dinnerplate’Lisonette Dinnerplate Dahlia
‘Bednall Beauty’Bednall Beauty Dahlia
‘Terracotta’Dahlia 'Terracotta'
The Story
Plant Bio
Herbaceous perennials grown from tubers, prized for their incredibly diverse and showy flowers that bloom from mid-summer until the first frost. They require fertile, well-drained soil and a sunny, sheltered location.
This cultivar is known for its unique sunset-hued blooms and strong stems that support large flower heads.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
42"
Width
24"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Medium
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial in USDA zones 8-11, annual elsewhere
Native To
Mexico
Toxicity
Toxic to dogs and cats; can cause mild skin irritation in humans.
Bloom period
Mid-summer to fall – Late fall
In flower about 5 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck tubers into well-draining soil in early spring.
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Provide full sun for optimal blooming and plant growth.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer during growing season.
- Pinch out the center of young plants to encourage bushier growth.
- Lift tubers after first frost and store in a cool, dry place.
Pro Tip
Plant in a sunny location with rich, well-draining soil for vibrant blooms.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply once a week during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote more blooms
- Provide staking for tall varieties to prevent flopping
Don't
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause tuber rot ❌
- Do not expose tubers to frost; dig up after first frost ❌
- Avoid fertilizing late in the season to prevent leggy growth
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Lift Store | ||||||||||||
| Pinch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Stake |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Desert Sunset Dahlia questions
What zones can Desert Sunset Dahlia grow in?
Desert Sunset Dahlia is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Desert Sunset Dahlia deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Desert Sunset Dahlia, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Desert Sunset Dahlia bloom?
Desert Sunset Dahlia typically blooms in mid-summer to fall through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Desert Sunset Dahlia need full sun?
Desert Sunset Dahlia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Dahlia to compare
Dahlia
Dahlia variabilis
Dinnerplate Cutting Dahlia
Dahlia pinnata 'Dinnerplate Cutting Blend'
Dahlia Mix
Dahlia x hybrida 'Mix'
Hart Dahlia
Dahlia variabilis 'Hart'
Babette Giant Ball Dahlia
Dahlia pinnata 'Babette Giant Ball'
Garden Dahlia
Dahlia spectabilis
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Desert Sunset Dahlia with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.