Dahlia 'Mexican Black' (Misc)

Plant tubers 10-15cm deep in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun. Cut back to near ground level in mid-autumn, then, in mild areas and on well-drained soil, leave the tubers in the ground and protect with a deep organic mulch; in colder areas or on heavy soils, lift and store the tubers, replanting in late spring after all danger of frost has passed. See dahlia cultivation

Deadhead to prolong flowering

Propagate by softwood cuttings taken in spring from shoots from stored tubers or divide the tubers ensuring each division has a viable bud

Aphids, capsid bug, earwigs, caterpillars, slugs and glasshouse red spider mite

Powdery mildews, mosaic virus, tomato spotted wilt virus, grey moulds and virus diseases