The ‘Chat Noir’ dahlia is a popular choice for gardeners seeking a dramatic and unique flower. Its striking dark color and velvety texture create a captivating presence in any garden setting.
Distinctive Characteristics
The ‘Chat Noir’ dahlia is renowned for its deep, dark, almost black-red coloration, often appearing as rich burgundy or maroon. Its petals are long, narrow, and somewhat curled or twisted, giving the bloom a spiky, semi-cactus form. These large flowers typically measure 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in diameter. The plant has a bushy, upright growth habit, reaching about 48 inches (120 cm) in height and spreading 18-24 inches (30-60 cm) wide.
Ideal Growing Conditions
‘Chat Noir’ dahlias require abundant sunlight, needing at least six to eight hours of direct sun daily. They thrive in well-drained, fertile soil, rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is suitable for these plants. Consistent moisture is important, so water them deeply a few times a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
Planting and Cultivation Care
Plant ‘Chat Noir’ dahlia tubers in spring after the last frost has passed and the soil has warmed, about 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) deep with the “eye” facing upward, spaced approximately 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart. After initial planting, avoid overwatering until sprouts emerge to prevent rot. Once established, fertilize with a low-nitrogen formula, such as a 5-10-10 or 10-20-20 NPK ratio, monthly during the growing season. Regularly removing spent blooms, known as deadheading, encourages the plant to produce more flowers. Due to their height and large blooms, staking is important to provide support and prevent stems from breaking.
Winter Dormancy and Storage
For gardeners in colder climates (USDA zones 7 and below), ‘Chat Noir’ dahlia tubers need to be dug up and stored indoors over winter. After the first frost blackens the foliage, wait one to two weeks to allow the tuber skins to toughen before digging. Carefully lift the tubers, gently brush off excess soil, and allow them to dry in a cool, dark place for a few days. Store tubers in a cool, dark, and dry location, ideally between 38-50°F (4-10°C) with 75-85% relative humidity, often in peat moss or vermiculite. Check tubers monthly for signs of mold, rot, or shriveling, adjusting storage conditions as needed.
Managing Pests and Diseases
‘Chat Noir’ dahlias can encounter common garden pests.
- Aphids, small soft-bodied insects, can be managed with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Slugs and snails, which leave irregular holes in leaves, can be deterred using barriers like copper tape or by hand-picking.
- Earwigs can be trapped using rolled-up newspaper.
- Spider mites, thriving in hot, dry conditions, may be controlled by hosing off plants or applying miticides.
Dahlias are also susceptible to diseases such as powdery mildew and botrytis (gray mold). Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves, especially in humid conditions, and can be mitigated by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. Botrytis causes brown spots and fuzzy gray mold, particularly in wet weather, and infected parts should be promptly removed. Maintaining healthy soil and proper plant spacing are preventative measures against many diseases.
Garden Placement and Uses
The ‘Chat Noir’ dahlia makes a striking focal point in garden borders or mixed beds with its dark, rich blooms. Its upright habit and medium size also make it suitable for container planting. Complementary plants that enhance its dark color include those with vibrant pinks, copper-oranges, or bright tangerine hues. This dahlia is highly valued as a cut flower, offering a long vase life in floral arrangements.