Dahlia ‘Nugget’ Tuber | Deep Burgundy Decorative Dahlia with Near-Black Centre

Bring rich, dramatic colour to the garden with Dahlia ‘Nugget’, a decorative dahlia producing large, rounded flowers in deep crimson-to-burgundy tones.

The densely layered petals surround an exceptionally dark centre that can appear almost black, creating striking depth and contrast. Its moody colouring makes ‘Nugget’ an excellent feature variety and helps brighter flowers planted nearby appear even more vibrant.

The richly coloured blooms are equally impressive in garden displays and cut-flower arrangements.

EXAMPLE IMAGE ONLY: The flower image shows an example of the mature bloom. The intensity of the crimson, burgundy and near-black colouring may vary naturally according to climate, growing conditions, lighting and bloom maturity. The supplied product is a dormant tuber—not a flowering plant.

Flower Characteristics

• Deep crimson-to-burgundy flowers
• Exceptionally dark, almost-black centre
• Decorative dahlia flower form
• Large, rounded blooms
• Densely layered petals
• Rich, dramatic colouring
• Excellent contrast against lighter flowers
• Suitable for garden display and cutting

Supplied as Dormant Tubers

Supplied as the selected quantity of dormant Dahlia ‘Nugget’ tubers.

Dahlia tubers naturally vary in size, shape and appearance. A smaller tuber can grow just as successfully as a larger tuber when it is healthy and has a viable eye or growing point.

Tubers may arrive without visible shoots or roots. This is normal while they are dormant.

Key Features

• Named Dahlia ‘Nugget’
• Deep crimson and burgundy colouring
• Near-black central petals
• Large decorative-style flowers
• Richly layered flower form
• Grows approximately 1.2m tall
• Flowers from summer into autumn
• Excellent cut-flower variety
• Suitable for garden beds and large containers
• Creates strong contrast in mixed plantings
• Frost-tender tuberous perennial
• Supplied as dormant tubers

Suitable Uses

• Cottage gardens
• Dark and moody colour schemes
• Mixed flower borders
• Feature planting
• Cut-flower gardens
• Bouquets and floral arrangements
• Large pots and containers
• Seasonal summer displays
• Burgundy and red garden combinations
• Dahlia collections

Planting Instructions

Plant Dahlia ‘Nugget’ during spring once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has begun to warm.

Choose a sunny position with fertile, free-draining soil. Avoid low-lying areas where water collects, as dormant tubers can rot in continually wet soil.

Lay each tuber horizontally approximately 5–10cm below the soil surface, with the crown or growing point facing upwards. Cover gently with soil.

Space plants approximately 60cm apart to provide room for growth and good airflow.

Avoid heavy watering immediately after planting. If the soil is already moist, wait until shoots begin appearing before starting regular watering.

Care Instructions

Position

Grow in full sun, ideally with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.

In hot Australian climates, protection from intense late-afternoon sun may help reduce heat stress. Insufficient light can result in weaker stems and reduced flowering.

Soil

Plant in fertile, humus-rich and free-draining soil.

Enrich the planting area with compost or well-aged organic matter before planting. Heavy clay soil should be improved, or the tubers can be planted in a raised garden bed or large container.

Excellent drainage is particularly important in humid climates and areas receiving heavy summer rainfall.

Watering

Once shoots emerge, water deeply and regularly while allowing the upper soil surface to begin drying between applications.

Increase watering during hot, dry or windy weather. Avoid leaving the soil continually saturated, particularly around the crown and tubers.

Water near the base of the plant where possible to reduce prolonged moisture on the foliage.

Feeding

Apply a balanced or flowering-plant fertiliser once active growth is established.

Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage lush foliage at the expense of flower production. Apply additional flowering fertiliser when buds begin developing, following the product label directions.

Staking

Dahlia ‘Nugget’ grows to approximately 1.2m tall and should be supported, particularly in windy or exposed gardens.

Install a sturdy stake at planting time to avoid damaging the tubers later. Secure the stems loosely as the plant grows, allowing enough space for natural movement and expansion.

Pinching

For bushier growth and additional flowering stems, pinch out the central growing tip once the young plant has developed approximately three or four sets of leaves.

Pinching may delay the first flowers slightly but can encourage a fuller plant with more flowering stems.

Deadheading and Cutting

Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming.

Flowers intended for arrangements are best cut during the cooler part of the morning. Place the stems into clean water promptly after cutting.

Regular cutting and deadheading can help extend the flowering season.

Hot and Humid Climates

In subtropical and humid regions, provide excellent drainage and generous spacing between plants.

Good airflow helps reduce the risk of fungal problems. Avoid continually wet foliage and water early enough for the leaves to dry before evening.

End-of-Season Care

After flowering, allow the foliage to remain until it begins yellowing and dying back naturally. This enables the plant to return energy to its tubers.

In mild climates with free-draining soil, the tubers may be left in the ground during dormancy. Mark the planting position and keep the area relatively dry.

In cold, frost-prone or persistently wet climates, lift the tubers after the foliage has died back. Allow them to dry before storing them in a cool, dark and well-ventilated location.

Product Details

Botanical Name: Dahlia hybrid ‘Nugget’
Cultivar: ‘Nugget’
Common Name: Dahlia
Family: Asteraceae
Flower Classification: Decorative dahlia
Flower Colour: Deep crimson to burgundy with a near-black centre
Flower Size: Large; final size varies with growing conditions
Plant Height: Approximately 1.2m
Flowering Period: Summer to autumn
Plant Type: Frost-tender tuberous perennial
Supply Format: Dormant tuber
Position: Full sun to light afternoon shade
Soil: Fertile, humus-rich and free-draining
Planting Depth: Approximately 5–10cm
Plant Spacing: Approximately 60cm
Water Needs: Moderate during active growth
Frost Tolerance: Frost sensitive
End Use: Garden display, containers and cut flowers

Important Information

• The supplied product is a dormant tuber, not a flowering plant
• Tuber size and shape will vary naturally
• Tubers may arrive without visible shoots or roots
• Plant only when local growing conditions are suitable
• Avoid overwatering before shoots appear
• Mature height and flowering time will vary with climate and care
• Flower colour may range from deep crimson to dark burgundy
• The central petals may appear burgundy-black rather than true black
• Example images show the expected mature flower only

FAQ

What colour are Dahlia ‘Nugget’ flowers?

The flowers range from deep crimson to rich burgundy, with an exceptionally dark centre that can appear almost black.

Are the flowers genuinely black?

The central petals are extremely dark burgundy and may appear black under certain lighting. Dahlias do not produce a genuinely jet-black flower.

What flower form does ‘Nugget’ produce?

‘Nugget’ is a decorative dahlia with large, rounded flowers and densely layered petals.

How tall does Dahlia ‘Nugget’ grow?

Plants generally grow to approximately 1.2m tall under suitable conditions. Final height will depend on climate, position, soil and care.

Will the tuber arrive flowering?

No. This product is supplied as a dormant tuber. The flower photograph is an example of the mature bloom only.

When should I plant the tuber?

Plant during spring once frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed. In subtropical regions, plant during the locally suitable dahlia-growing season and provide excellent drainage.

Does Dahlia ‘Nugget’ require staking?

Staking is recommended because the plant can grow approximately 1.2m tall and produce substantial flowers. Install the stake when planting to avoid damaging the tuber later.

Can Dahlia ‘Nugget’ be grown in a container?

Yes. Use a large, stable container with drainage holes and a fertile, free-draining potting mix. Container-grown plants require regular watering, feeding and support.