Dahlia ‘Sunburst’ Tuber | Golden-Orange Cactus Dahlia

Fill the garden with warm, glowing colour using Dahlia ‘Sunburst’, a cactus dahlia producing striking flowers in creamy yellow, gold and rich orange tones.

Its long, narrow petals radiate outwards to create an energetic, spiky flower form. Softer creamy tones through the petals provide an attractive contrast against the stronger golden-orange colouring, giving the blooms a luminous appearance.

Growing approximately 1.2m tall, ‘Sunburst’ is an excellent feature variety for sunny garden beds, mixed borders and cut-flower arrangements.

EXAMPLE IMAGE ONLY: The flower image shows an example of the expected mature bloom. The balance and intensity of the cream, yellow, gold and orange colouring may vary naturally according to climate, growing conditions, lighting and flower maturity. The supplied product is a dormant tuber—not a flowering plant.

Flower Characteristics

• Warm golden-orange flowers
• Soft cream and yellow undertones
• Cactus dahlia flower form
• Long, narrow and pointed petals
• Spiky, radiating appearance
• Full, double flowers
• Warm colouring suitable for summer and autumn displays
• Excellent for garden display and cutting

Supplied as Dormant Tubers

Supplied as the selected quantity of dormant Dahlia ‘Sunburst’ 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 ‘Sunburst’
• Golden-orange cactus dahlia
• Soft creamy-yellow undertones
• Long, narrow and pointed petals
• Distinctive spiky flower form
• Grows approximately 1.2m tall
• Flowers throughout summer and autumn
• Excellent cut-flower variety
• Suitable for sunny garden beds
• Can be grown in large containers
• Frost-tender tuberous perennial
• Supplied as dormant tubers

Suitable Uses

• Cottage gardens
• Warm-toned garden displays
• Mixed flower borders
• Feature planting
• Yellow and orange colour schemes
• Cactus dahlia collections
• Cut-flower gardens
• Bouquets and floral arrangements
• Large pots and containers
• Seasonal summer displays
• Dahlia collections

Planting Instructions

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

In many Australian climates, suitable planting time falls between September and December. Always adjust planting time according to local temperatures and frost conditions.

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

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 adequate room for growth and good airflow.

Install a sturdy stake when planting. Adding support before growth begins reduces the risk of accidentally damaging the tuber later.

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

Care Instructions

Position

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

Light afternoon shade can be beneficial in particularly hot Australian climates. Excessive shade may result in softer stems, weaker growth and fewer flowers.

Soil

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

Improve the planting area with compost or well-aged organic matter before planting. Heavy clay soil should be amended to improve drainage, or the tuber can be grown in a raised garden bed or large container.

Excellent drainage is particularly important in subtropical climates and areas experiencing heavy summer rainfall.

Watering

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

Increase watering during hot, dry or windy weather. Avoid keeping 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 and flowers.

Feeding

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

Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage abundant foliage at the expense of flowers. Additional flowering fertiliser may be applied when buds begin developing, following the product label directions.

Staking

Dahlia ‘Sunburst’ grows approximately 1.2m tall and should be supported, particularly in windy or exposed positions.

Install a sturdy stake at planting time and secure the stems loosely as the plant grows. Allow enough room for natural movement and stem expansion.

Pinching

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

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

Deadheading and Cutting

Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming and prevent the plant from directing energy into seed production.

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 period.

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.

Protection from intense late-afternoon sun may help preserve flower quality during periods of extreme heat.

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, tubers may be left in the ground during dormancy. Mark the planting position and keep the area relatively dry.

Established clumps can be lifted and divided periodically to prevent overcrowding and maintain vigorous growth.

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, frost-free and well-ventilated location.

Product Details

Botanical Name: Dahlia hybrid ‘Sunburst’
Cultivar: ‘Sunburst’
Common Name: Dahlia
Family: Asteraceae
Flower Classification: Cactus dahlia
Flower Colour: Creamy yellow, gold and orange
Flower Size: Varies according to 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, large containers and cut flowers

Important Information

• This listing is for the golden-orange cactus cultivar Dahlia ‘Sunburst’
• It is not the separate cultivar known as ‘Florelie Sunburst’
• The supplied product is a dormant tuber, not a flowering plant
• Tuber size, shape and appearance will vary naturally
• Tubers may arrive without visible shoots or roots
• Plant only when local growing conditions are suitable
• Avoid overwatering before shoots emerge
• Mature height and flowering time will vary with climate and care
• Flower colouring may range from creamy yellow to gold and rich orange
• Colour intensity and placement may vary between flowers
• Example images show the expected mature flowers only

FAQ

What colour are Dahlia ‘Sunburst’ flowers?

The flowers combine soft creamy-yellow undertones with stronger shades of gold and orange. The exact balance and intensity of these colours may vary naturally.

What flower form does ‘Sunburst’ produce?

‘Sunburst’ is a cactus dahlia with long, narrow and pointed petals that create a distinctive spiky appearance.

Is this the same variety as ‘Florelie Sunburst’?

No. This listing is for the golden-orange cactus cultivar Dahlia ‘Sunburst’. ‘Florelie Sunburst’ is a separate miniature decorative cultivar.

How tall does Dahlia ‘Sunburst’ grow?

Plants generally reach 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 shows an example of the expected mature bloom only.

Does Dahlia ‘Sunburst’ require staking?

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

Can it be grown in a container?

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

When will Dahlia ‘Sunburst’ flower?

It generally flowers from summer into autumn. Exact flowering time will depend on planting time, climate, temperature and ongoing care.