How to Grow Moulin Rouge Dahlia
Wikimedia Commons
Moulin Rouge Dahlia
Dahlia × hybrida 'Moulin Rouge'
flowerMoulin Rouge is a stunning decorative dahlia cultivar known for its deep burgundy to dark red double blooms that can reach 4-6 inches in diameter. This showy perennial produces prolific flowers throughout the growing season and makes an excellent choice for cut flowers and garden displays. The plant typically reaches 3-4 feet in height with sturdy, branching stems.
When should you plant Moulin Rouge Dahlia in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Moulin Rouge Dahlia timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Moulin Rouge Dahlia
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Moulin Rouge Dahlia blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Moulin Rouge Dahlia dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 6-10; grows as a tender perennial in cooler zones (store tubers indoors over winter)
Sign up free to see if Moulin Rouge Dahlia grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Moulin Rouge Dahlia timeline →Growth Stages
Tuber sprouting
2-3 weeksDahlia tubers develop eyes and begin sending up shoots; soil is warm (60-70°F) and consistently moist
Plant tubers after last frost when soil has warmed. Ensure tubers are not rotting; provide good drainage. Water sparingly until shoots emerge.
Vegetative growth
4-6 weeksStems emerge and grow rapidly, producing opposite pairs of leaves; plant becomes bushy as side shoots develop
Pinch out the growing tip when plant reaches 12 inches tall to encourage branching and more blooms. Install stakes or cages for support. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced or high-phosphorus fertilizer.
Budding
2-3 weeksFlower buds form at the tips of stems and along the plant; foliage is full and dense
Remove side buds (terminal bud remains) if giant exhibition blooms are desired, or leave all buds for prolific smaller flowers. Maintain consistent watering and continue fertilizing.
Blooming
8-12 weeks (until frost)Large double burgundy-red flowers open and display their full form; blooming is prolific and continuous
Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage more flowering. Keep watered deeply during hot weather. Continue fertilizing every 2-3 weeks. Cut flowers for arrangements in early morning.
Frost dormancy
5-6 monthsFoliage blackens after first frost; underground tubers enter dormancy
In zones 6-8, cut stems back to 2-3 inches and carefully dig tubers after frost. Store in cool (50-60°F), dry location in peat moss or sand. In zones 9-10, may regrow from dormant tubers left in ground.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Hand-pick in early morning or use beetle traps; apply neem oil or spinosad spray; plant garlic nearby as deterrent
-
Spray foliage with water to increase humidity; apply miticide if severe; ensure adequate watering to reduce stress
-
Remove affected flowers; use sticky blue traps; apply spinosad or insecticidal soap; increase air circulation
-
and
Remove debris where they hide; create copper barriers; use diatomaceous earth; set beer traps
-
Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; spray with sulfur or potassium bicarbonate; remove infected leaves
Uses
Edible petals
CulinaryDahlia petals are edible with a slightly sweet, cucumber-like flavor and can be used to garnish salads, desserts, and cocktails for visual appeal. [source]
Cut flowers and arrangements
CraftMoulin Rouge dahlias are prized by florists and garden enthusiasts for their long vase life, striking color, and full double form, making them ideal for wedding bouquets, floral arrangements, and table centerpieces. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeWhile double-form varieties have less accessible pollen, dahlias still attract bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, providing valuable late-season nectar when other flowers fade. [source]
Garden ornament
HouseholdAs a tall, prolific bloomer with stunning burgundy flowers, Moulin Rouge serves as an excellent focal point or backdrop in flower borders, cottage gardens, and mixed perennial beds. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalIn traditional medicine, dahlia tubers have been used in some cultures to support digestive health, though modern scientific evidence is limited. [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 early in the morning when stems are hydrated and blooms are fully open but not overblown. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle and place immediately in cool water with floral preservative. Dahlias last 7-10 days in a vase. For tuber harvesting, wait until foliage is killed by frost, dig carefully to avoid bruising tubers, and cure in a warm, dry location for 1-2 weeks before storing.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Dahlias originated in Mexico and were sacred to the Aztecs, who cultivated them for food and ceremony before Spanish conquistadors introduced them to Europe.
- 🌱 Moulin Rouge dahlias were named after the famous cabaret in Paris, reflecting their glamorous, theatrical appearance with deep burgundy blooms.
- 🌱 A single dahlia plant can produce hundreds of flowers over a season, making it one of the most prolific bloomers in the garden—some varieties flower until the first hard frost.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Moulin Rouge Dahlia planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Moulin Rouge Dahlia seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Moulin Rouge Dahlia timeline →