LIFE CYCLE
Annual
PLANT CHARACTERISTICS
strong stems
GROWTH HABIT
Upright
BLOOM SEASON
Summer
FLAVOUR PROFILE
Ornamental
SUITABLE FOR
Outdoor
SEED TYPE
Mixed open-pollinated seeds
PLANT TYPE
Flowering annual mix
PLANTING SEASON
Spring
FRUIT SIZE
Not applicable
PLANT HEIGHT
40–60 cm
LIGHT REQUIREMENT
Full Sun
WATER NEEDS
Low to Moderate
HARDINESS ZONES
Annual
CONTAINER GARDEN
Yes
PLANT SPACING
20–30 cm
PLANTING DEPTH
1–2 cm
GROWING CONDITIONS
Fertile well drained soil
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name "Nuit d'Été" mean?
What does the name "Nuit d'Été" mean?
It's French for "Summer Night," a poetic name common in ornamental plant breeding that evokes the deep, moody color of the blooms.
The title calls this a "Perennial" but the plant data lists it as an "Annual" — which is correct?
The title calls this a "Perennial" but the plant data lists it as an "Annual" — which is correct?
This is a genuine inconsistency in the listing; dahlias are true perennials in mild climates but are commonly grown as annuals elsewhere, so the "Annual" classification likely reflects typical garden use rather than the plant's true nature.
Why do the blooms appear so dark, almost black-red?
Why do the blooms appear so dark, almost black-red?
Deep wine and near-black dahlia tones come from a high concentration of anthocyanin pigments, which can make petals look almost black in certain light.
How does this compare to the well-known "Bishop" series of dark dahlias?
How does this compare to the well-known "Bishop" series of dark dahlias?
Like the popular Bishop series (e.g., Bishop of Llandaff), this variety pairs dark blooms with rich foliage, a striking color combination bred into several dahlia lines.
This variety is shorter (40–60 cm) than other dahlias — is it better suited for borders than backgrounds?
This variety is shorter (40–60 cm) than other dahlias — is it better suited for borders than backgrounds?
Yes, its more compact size makes it well-suited to front and mid-border plantings, unlike taller dahlia varieties used as background color.
Are dark-toned dahlias good as cut flowers?
Are dark-toned dahlias good as cut flowers?
Yes, their rich, moody color makes them popular in floral arrangements for dramatic contrast, and dahlias generally hold up well as cut flowers with proper care.