Dahlias are celebrated garden flowers, prized for their diverse forms and vibrant colors that enrich summer landscapes. Among these, the ‘Apricot Desire’ dahlia stands out as a beautiful addition. Its warm, inviting hues offer delightful visual appeal, making it a favored choice for gardeners seeking to add charm and sophistication to their outdoor spaces.
Understanding Apricot Desire Dahlia
The ‘Apricot Desire’ dahlia features fully double flowers with soft apricot tones, transitioning to pale yellow at the petal base. These delicate, waterlily-like blooms measure 4 to 6 inches wide. They emerge on sturdy, often dark-colored stems, contrasting with the deep green foliage. Growing 3 to 4 feet tall, ‘Apricot Desire’ is also valued as a cut flower, offering a superb vase life.
Cultivation and Care
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Select a site for ‘Apricot Desire’ dahlias that receives full sunlight for at least six to eight hours daily. In regions with intense summer heat, light afternoon shade can be beneficial. These plants thrive in fertile, humus-rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Incorporating organic matter like compost improves soil structure and provides nutrients for healthy growth.
Planting Instructions
Plant dahlia tubers in early spring, after the last frost and when soil temperature is consistently above 5°C (40°F), ideally closer to 15.5°C (60°F). Dig a 6 to 8-inch deep hole, placing the tuber horizontally with the “eye” facing upwards. Cover the tuber gently with about 2 inches of soil, allowing space for subsequent filling as the plant grows. Space tubers 12 to 24 inches apart for adequate air circulation and development.
Ongoing Care
Maintain consistent moisture for ‘Apricot Desire’ dahlias throughout their growing season, especially during dry spells. Deep watering two to three times per week keeps soil evenly moist without waterlogging the tubers. Fertilize monthly from mid-summer through early fall with a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus, and high-potassium formula to support vigorous growth and abundant blooming. As plants mature, stake or cage them to prevent stems from bending or breaking under the weight of large blooms.
Pinching and Deadheading
Pinch the growing tips of young dahlia plants to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. This involves removing the central stem once the plant reaches about 12 inches tall and has developed at least four sets of leaves. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, is also important. This redirects the plant’s energy into new blooms, extending the flowering period and maintaining vigor.
Overwintering Your Apricot Desire Dahlias
In colder climates, ‘Apricot Desire’ dahlia tubers cannot survive freezing temperatures and must be lifted for winter storage. Begin after the first hard frost blackens the foliage, signaling dormancy. Carefully dig up tubers, gently removing excess soil.
Allow them to dry for a few days in a cool, frost-free location away from direct sunlight. Once dry, brush off remaining soil, and divide tubers if desired, ensuring each division has at least one “eye” or growth point.
Store cleaned, dried tubers in a cool, dark, frost-free environment, with temperatures consistently between 7°C and 10°C (40°F and 50°F). Place them in ventilated boxes or mesh bags, nestled in peat moss, vermiculite, or sand, to prevent desiccation and rot.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Dahlias can face common garden issues, including pests. Slugs and snails are problematic for young shoots, especially in damp conditions. Other insects like aphids, spider mites, thrips, and earwigs can also affect foliage and blooms. Regular inspection aids early detection, and solutions like hand-picking slugs or using insecticidal soaps can manage infestations.
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew may appear as a white coating on leaves, often in dry conditions or with poor air circulation. Botrytis, or gray mold, can occur during wet weather, causing brown, rotting spots on flowers and foliage. Good air circulation and proper watering minimize these issues. Tuber rot can result from overwatering or poorly draining soil.
Garden Design and Uses
The ‘Apricot Desire’ dahlia is versatile for garden design, suitable for various planting schemes. Its height and bold blooms make it an excellent choice for the middle or back of perennial borders, where it can provide a striking focal point. Planting in groups of five or more creates a lush display. It also performs well in large containers, allowing for flexible placement on patios or balconies.
The warm apricot tones of ‘Apricot Desire’ pair effectively with plants offering contrasting textures or colors. Salvias with their spiky flowers or ornamental grasses provide appealing visual balance. Its long, sturdy stems and generous bloom size make it a desirable choice for cutting gardens, ensuring fresh flowers for indoor arrangements.