Dahlia Cactus - Forrestal - 1 bulb - Preorder for shipment mid to late September

📦 Pre-Order Notice: This product is available on pre-order. Bulbs will be dispatched between mid and end September 2026. Place your order now to secure your stock.

Dahlia Cactus – Forrestal | 1 Bulb

Majestic, powerful, and deeply impressive — the Forrestal Cactus Dahlia is a variety that commands the garden with quiet authority. Its blooms rise up in a breathtaking starburst of long, quilled petals in rich, deep colour that carries a sense of strength and grandeur with every unfurling petal. Bold in stature, dramatic in presence, and utterly magnificent, this is a dahlia that anchors the garden and draws every eye toward it.

A standout of the cactus dahlia group, Forrestal produces large, fully double blooms with narrow, pointed petals that radiate outward in a striking, spiky silhouette. Its deep, saturated tones create a powerful contrast against lush green foliage, making it an exceptional choice for dramatic garden focal points, cutting gardens, and show-stopping floral arrangements that leave a lasting impression. This listing includes 1 bulb of this commanding variety.

Growing Guide

Sun Exposure: Full sun
Planting Time: October – December
Flowering Time: December – May
Dormant Period: May – August
Lifting Time: July
Type: Tuberous root
Mature Height: 20 – 180 cm
Planting Depth: 8 cm (do not separate tubers from the clump)
Plant Spacing: 15 – 40 cm apart
Watering: Every 3–4 days, 10 minutes per session

Soil & Position

Dahlias thrive in well-draining soil. If your garden has heavy clay, incorporate sand and compost to improve drainage and aeration. A layer of mulch over the soil surface will help retain moisture between waterings. Select a position in full sun — they can tolerate midday shade, which also reduces their water requirements. When planting, ensure tubers are positioned with the growing points facing upward.

Care & Maintenance

Feed regularly with Hadeco Bulb Food to promote vigorous growth and abundant blooms. Taller varieties may require staking as they develop. Routine pruning encourages fresh growth, and pinching out the two side buds flanking the central bud will channel the plant's energy into producing one magnificent, oversized flower.

As the season draws to a close, yellowing foliage is entirely natural — remove it as it dies back. To lift bulbs for winter storage, cut stems approximately 5 cm above ground level in July and carefully lift the tuberous root. Well-nourished bulbs will yield a generous increase in tuber size and quantity around the crown. Keep roots completely dry during storage.

Should you observe deformed growth, stunted development, or mottled foliage, remove and discard the affected plant immediately — these are indicators of infection.