Dahlia Firepot

Dahlia ‘Firepot’ does exactly what the name promises—bringing sizzling colour to the late-summer garden with bold blooms in fiery orange and red tones. It’s a brilliant variety for creating that warm, glowing “sunset border” look, and it mixes beautifully with reds, hot pinks, yellows and bronzy foliage plants. Flowering from midsummer right through to the first frosts, it’s one of those dahlias that keeps on going as long as you keep deadheading.

It’s also a great cut flower, adding instant warmth and impact to arrangements. Plant it in a sunny spot, keep it watered and fed, and ‘Firepot’ will reward you with weeks of colour when the garden is at its most vibrant.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant Dahlia tubers in spring. For the earliest flowers, start tubers in pots indoors from March to April, then plant out once the risk of frost has passed. If planting directly outside, wait until late spring when the soil has warmed.

Where to Plant:
Choose a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil. Dahlias are ideal for mixed borders, cutting gardens and patio containers. They love warmth and perform best in full sun.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant tubers about 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) deep, with the old stem (or growing point) facing upwards.
• Spacing: Space plants 45–60 cm (18–24 inches) apart, depending on the final size.
• Soil Prep: Enrich the planting area with well-rotted compost or manure. In heavy soil, improve drainage with grit.

Watering:
Water after planting. Once shoots appear and growth is underway, keep soil evenly moist, especially in dry spells. Avoid waterlogging. Container-grown Dahlias may need watering daily in hot weather.

Aftercare Tips:

• Pinch out the growing tip once plants are around 30 cm tall to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.
• Stake taller stems if needed, especially in exposed borders.
• Deadhead regularly to keep plants flowering until autumn.
• After the first frost blackens the foliage, lift tubers and store dry and frost-free over winter, or protect in the ground with a thick mulch in milder areas.

Top Tip:
For maximum “fire” in the border, combine Dahlia ‘Firepot’ with Crocosmias, Rudbeckias and grasses—you’ll get colour, movement and late-summer wow-factor all in one.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:
July - October (until first frosts)

Height:
24–36" (60–90cm) (approx. depending on conditions)

Position:
Full sun

Tender Perennial:

Overwinter tubers frost-free in the UK