The Alfred Grille Dahlia is a popular choice for gardeners, known for its striking visual appeal. This perennial herb offers abundant, vibrant blooms and continuous color from mid-summer until the first frost. It is valued for its beauty, versatility in garden design, and suitability as a cut flower.
Distinctive Features of Alfred Grille Dahlia
The Alfred Grille Dahlia features a unique semi-cactus flower form with slender, gracefully twisting, velvety petals, creating a slightly spiky yet refined appearance. Its blooms showcase a captivating color palette of spectacular salmon pink hues blending with golden tones at their heart, sometimes transitioning from yellow at the center to orange-pink at the petal edges.
Blooms typically measure 6 to 8 inches in diameter. The plant reaches a height of 35 to 60 inches (approximately 3 to 5 feet), making it a prominent garden feature. Strong, upright stems support the visible flowers. This award-winning dahlia is a favored choice for garden displays, shows, and as a long-lasting cut flower.
Planting Alfred Grille Dahlia
Plant Alfred Grille Dahlia tubers in early spring, once soil temperatures consistently exceed 5°C (41°F), typically aligning with tomato planting. Select a site with full sun exposure, though light shade is tolerated in warmer regions.
Prepare the site with fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil (pH 6.0-7.5). Incorporate base fertilizer and loosen the soil to improve air permeability. Cover tubers with a light layer of soil to encourage sprouting. Space tubers approximately 60 cm by 1 meter (24 inches by 39 inches) apart.
After planting, water sparingly, providing just enough moisture to encourage initial growth and avoid tuber rot. Wait until the first shoots emerge before resuming regular watering. This careful initial watering helps establish a robust root system.
Ongoing Care for Alfred Grille Dahlia
Alfred Grille Dahlias require consistent moisture throughout the growing season, as they are not tolerant of drought or waterlogged conditions. In early growth stages, daily watering on sunny days is often sufficient. As the plant matures, its water consumption increases; established plants (8-12 inches tall) benefit from regular, deep watering, aiming for about an inch per week. Potted dahlias need more frequent watering due to faster moisture evaporation.
Fertilization is important. From seedling growth, apply a thin liquid fertilizer every 10 to 15 days, starting with a nitrogen-dominant formula and switching to one higher in phosphate and potassium as the plant matures. Once flower buds emerge, increase frequency to every 7 to 10 days, using a low-nitrogen bloom food (e.g., 5-10-10 NPK). Stop fertilizing when flower buds show color and during high temperatures. Commercial fertilizers can be applied every three to four weeks, or every two to three weeks for container-grown plants.
Regular deadheading of spent blooms encourages continuous flowering and promotes additional flower buds. Pinching young shoots encourages bushier growth and a fuller appearance. Pruning helps manage size, improve air circulation, and prevent disease.
Managing Pests and Diseases
Alfred Grille Dahlias are susceptible to common garden pests and diseases, but proactive measures help. High temperatures and humidity can cause issues, so ensure good ventilation. Regularly prune dead leaves and flowers to improve plant health and reduce pest harborage.
Pests like thrips, aphids, and slugs may occur. Proper watering prevents root rot; regular but not excessive watering is key. During storage, remove any moldy or mushy tubers to prevent spread.
Winter Care and Tuber Storage
In cold winter regions (USDA Zones 3-7), lift Alfred Grille Dahlia tubers before the first hard frost. Wait until top growth dies back or is killed by frost, signaling tuber maturity. Some gardeners wait one to two weeks after the first frost before digging.
Cut foliage back to 4-6 inches above ground, then carefully dig around tubers to avoid damage. After lifting, shake off excess dirt and rinse thoroughly. Dry and cure them for one to two days in a shaded, well-ventilated area, avoiding direct sunlight or concrete.
Pack cleaned tubers in boxes or pots, covering them with a medium like dry compost, vermiculite, wood shavings, or sand. The medium should be slightly moistened, not wet, to prevent rot. Store tubers in a cool, dark, frost-free location (40-50°F / 4-10°C) with 80-90% humidity. Check every few weeks, removing any showing rot or shriveling.
Propagating Alfred Grille Dahlia
Propagating Alfred Grille Dahlia is most commonly achieved through root division, known for its ease and high success rate. In early spring, retrieve stored tubers, remove rotted parts, and plant them at 15°C (59°F) to encourage sprouting. Once buds are about 1 cm (0.4 inches) long, tubers are ready for division.
Each division must have at least one visible eye, the point of new growth, and an unbroken neck connecting it to the tuber. Division can be done in fall or spring, though eyes are often easier to identify in spring. While tuber division is primary, propagation through cuttings is also effective, often leading to faster rooting and higher survival.