Gardeners’ World: Monty Don shows viewers how to add ‘splash of colour’ by growing dahlias

Gardening expert Monty Don returned to BBC Two this evening for the latest instalment of Gardeners’ World. He was also joined by gardening experts Francis Tophill and Adam Frost. On tonight’s show, Monty explained how to grow dahlias from seeds.

The gardening expert said this year he will be growing two completely different varieties of dahlias.

He said: “I’ve got figaro mixed which are a dwarf dahlia, so really good for growing in a container or on a window sill or on a balcony.

“I’m also growing a cactus hybrid mix – they’re widely available so if you want to grow them with me we can all grow them together.

“You don’t quite know what you’re going to get because the seed never comes completely through whereas when you buy a dahlia as tubers you know what you’re going to get.

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After he put the compost in the trays he flattened it down to make sure the soil was level.

He continued: “I’m going to start by sowing the cactus hybrid mix.

“Cactus dahlias have these wonderful pointed petals – very often curled in on themselves – which are really dramatic.

“I have said this many times but it really is worth taking the trouble spacing seeds evenly.

“Don’t let them dry out and they should germinate in about ten days.

“The reason I love growing dahlias is because they add an exotic splash of colour for the late summer and autumn garden.”

On the show, Monty also showed viewers what to plant now in a vegetable garden.

Meanwhile, Adam Frost extended the planting in his gravel garden.

source: express.co.uk