How to Grow Bressingham Comet
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Bressingham Comet
Dahlia × hybrida 'Bressingham Comet'
flowerBressingham Comet is a striking dwarf dahlia cultivar known for its vibrant red-orange flowers with yellow centers. This compact variety grows to about 12-18 inches tall, making it ideal for borders, containers, and small garden spaces. It produces abundant blooms throughout the growing season with minimal deadheading required.
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Example Bressingham Comet timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Bressingham Comet
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Bressingham Comet blooms
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Bressingham Comet dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10; grows as annual in colder zones or dig tubers to overwinter
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Get my Bressingham Comet timeline →Growth Stages
Tuber/Transplant Establishment
2-3 weeksNewly planted tubers or transplants begin to produce roots and emerge from soil
Keep soil evenly moist. Provide moderate light. Protect from strong winds. Stakes may be inserted now to support future growth.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops sturdy stems and abundant foliage; compact bushy form typical of dwarf varieties
Pinch off growing tips when 6 inches tall to encourage bushier, more branched growth. Water regularly. Apply balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks.
Bud Formation
1-2 weeksFlower buds appear at stem tips; color deepens from green to visible bud clusters
Continue regular watering. Switch to slightly higher phosphorus fertilizer to support flowering. Remove any diseased foliage.
Flowering
8-12 weeks or until first frostAbundant red-orange flowers with yellow centers open and bloom continuously; typical dahlia petal arrangement
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continued blooming. Water at soil level to keep blooms dry. Monitor for pests. High-potassium fertilizer weekly if desired.
Late Season/Dormancy
Variable; 2-4 weeks before hard freezeBloom production slows as temperatures cool; foliage may show senescence in cold climates
In zones 3-7, dig tubers after first frost, clean, dry, and store in cool location. In warmer zones, may cut back and mulch heavily. Remove old foliage to prevent pest overwintering.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Remove affected flowers. Encourage beneficial insects.
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Increase humidity with regular misting. Spray with neem oil or horticultural oil. Prune heavily infested growth.
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Remove and dispose of affected flowers. Use sticky traps. Dust with diatomaceous earth around base. Handpick at night.
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Ensure good air circulation. Remove affected leaves. Spray with sulfur or potassium bicarbonate fungicide. Avoid overhead watering.
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Handpick in evening hours. Use slug traps. Create barriers with coarse sand or gravel. Apply nematodes.
Uses
Edible flower garnish
CulinaryDahlia petals are edible and add striking visual appeal to salads, desserts, and cocktails. They have a slightly sweet, vegetal flavor and are commonly used in gourmet cuisine for decoration. [source]
Cut flower arrangements
HouseholdBressingham Comet's compact size, abundant blooms, and long vase life make it excellent for small to medium arrangements, bouquets, and floral design work. [source]
Flower pressing and drying
CraftThe colorful petals can be pressed for crafts, cards, and art projects, or dried for potpourri and long-lasting decorative displays. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeDahlias attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the blooming season, supporting local pollinator populations in gardens. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalSome dahlia species have been used in traditional medicine, though Bressingham Comet is grown primarily as an ornamental. Historical uses include treatment of coughs and digestive ailments. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers in early morning after dew dries but before heat stresses the plant. Cut stems at 45-degree angle with sharp pruners, leaving at least 2-3 leaf nodes on plant for continued growth. Place stems immediately in cool water. Change water every 2-3 days. Cut flowers typically last 7-10 days indoors. Regular deadheading of spent blooms encourages more flowers.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Bressingham Comet was bred at Bressingham Gardens in Norfolk, England, a renowned plant nursery famous for developing hundreds of hardy perennials and flowering plants.
- 🌱 Dahlias are native to Mexico and have been cultivated by humans for over 2,000 years; the Aztecs used them as a food source for their starchy tubers.
- 🌱 Despite being called a 'dwarf' variety, Bressingham Comet still produces flowers on long stems ideal for cutting, making it unusually versatile for its compact size.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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