It's easy to see why Dahlia ‘Thomas A. Edison’ has remained a timeless favourite among gardeners. This classic decorative dahlia is renowned for its stunning, magenta-pink blooms, which reach an impressive 20cm (8 inches) across, earning it the title of a "dinnerplate dahlia." Its bold, richly colored flowers make a striking statement in garden borders, flower beds, and cut-flower arrangements.

An early bloomer, Thomas A. Edison produces a profusion of large flower heads that continue to appear throughout summer and into early autumn. To extend the flowering period, regular deadheading is recommended, ensuring this dahlia provides months of breathtaking color.

Despite its thin-looking stems, don’t be fooled—these beauties are stronger than they appear and can support their impressive blooms with ease. However, staking may be beneficial in windy or exposed areas to help keep the plant upright.

Thriving in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil, Dahlia ‘Thomas A. Edison’ is an excellent choice for adding drama and elegance to the garden. As a tender perennial, tubers can be lifted and stored over winter in colder climates to ensure a spectacular display year after year. Whether showcased in the garden or brought indoors as a striking cut flower, this dahlia is truly a showstopper that never disappoints.

For more information on planting and growing Dahlias.

Summer Flowering Bulbs are delivered in Spring

Delivery and P&P

Summer Flowering Bulbs are dispatched from the end of February to the end of May.
All orders should be dispatched within 3-5 working days during this time.
However, during the months of April and May, we may allow up to 10 working days for dispatch due to exhibiting at the flower shows. 
Postage cost to mainland UK (excluding N.Ireland, Highlands and Isles) is £4.99.
All out of area postcodes are charged at £9.50.
Orders over £60 qualify for FREE delivery to mainland UK (excluding N.Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, Highlands and Isles).
Unfortunately, we are not currently delivering to the EU. See Delivery page.
When your order is due for dispatch, you will receive a tracking email from us to track your parcel.
Your parcel will be sent on a 48 hour tracked service with Yodel.

Returns and Refunds

You have the right to cancel your order at any time before it is dispatched.
All returns must be returned at your cost within 7 days of receipt.
Payment for the returned goods will be refunded within 7 days of the goods being received by us, less the postage charges.

How to plant Dahlias

Planting in the Garden

• If panting in the garden, plant in late spring once the risk of frost has passed.
• Find a good location with plenty of sun and drainage.
• Cover your tubers with 3cm (1-2") of soil.
• Allow approx. 30cm spacing between each tuber. (The spacing may vary depending on the final size of the variety.)
• Douse the hole with a watering can full of water and cane as you plant.
• Mulch over to protect them from the risk of any frost.

Planting in Pots/Containers

• If planting in pots, start them off indoors until the risk of frost has passed.
• Keep them indoors in a frost-free location like a greenhouse before transferring them outside after the last frosts.
• Plant 1 x tuber in a 2-3litre pot or 12" in diameter.
• Cover your tubers with 3cm (1-2") of soil.
• Use a good-quality, multipurpose compost.

Aftercare/Overwintering

• Once your dahlias have finished flowering and the first frosts have blackened the foliage, cut the plants back to the ground.
• In well-drained soils, leave the tubers in the ground and mulch over to protect against frosts.
• In colder climates or heavier soils, lift and store your tubers over winter.
• If lifting and storing over winter, cut back foliage and carefully lift the tubers out of the soil. Allow the tubers to dry off naturally and then clean away any soil. Trim the stems back and cut off any fine roots. Make sure the tubers are completely dry before storing them into open trays or boxes. Pack with dry sand. Leave the crowns exposed.
• Replant the following spring.
• Must be kept frost free.
• Once the risk of frosts have passed and you start to see signs of growth again, the mulch can be removed.
• Water regularly during active growth periods.
• See 'Care Instructions' for more information.

 

How to care for Dahlias

Care:

• Support Dahlias with canes on planting and tie in as growth develops.
• When your Dahlias reach about 40cm in height, pinch out the growing tips with your thumb and forefinger or use a sharp knife. This will encourage branching.
• Water once a week with a good amount not just a little sprinkle.
• Deadhead flowers as they fade.

Overwintering:

• Once the first frosts have blackened the foliage, cut the plants back to the ground.
• If panted in the garden, in well-drained soils, leave the tubers in the ground and cover with a generous layer of bark chips or compost to protect them from frost.
• In colder climates or heavier soils, lift and store your tubers over winter.
• If planted in pots, cut back the entire plant to 4 – 6 inches. Keep the dahlias in their pot over winter. Keep the pot in a cool, dry, dark place that doesn't freeze like, garage, shed or greenhouse.
• Don't water your tubers, just let them stay dry.  

Lifting and Storing over winter:

• Cut back foliage and carefully lift the tubers out of the soil.
• Allow the tubers to dry off naturally and then clean away any soil. 
• Trim the stems back to 15-20cm and cut off any fine roots.
• Make sure the tubers are completely dry before storing them into open trays or boxes. Pack with peat-free compost or dry sand. Leave the crowns exposed. 
• Replant the following spring.