Dahlias are popular garden plants, celebrated for their diverse forms and vibrant colors. The ‘Chick a Dee’ dahlia is a unique collarette type, favored for its distinctive appearance and lively hues. This guide explores growing and caring for this particular dahlia.
Understanding the Chick a Dee Dahlia
The ‘Chick a Dee’ dahlia features a collarette bloom form, with a single outer ring of flat ray petals surrounding a smaller, inner ring of shorter, rolled petals (the “collar”) and a compact central disc. Blooms typically measure 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. This variety displays a charming color palette, from pale pinks to dark reds, sometimes with white creating a bi-color or mottled effect. The plant reaches 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) tall, making it suitable for borders, large pots, or as a cut flower. Its button-shaped flowers and slender, often dark purple stems add to its appeal.
Planting and Growing Chick a Dee Dahlias
‘Chick a Dee’ dahlias thrive in full sun, needing at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade can prevent scorching.
Well-draining soil rich in organic matter is essential, as soggy conditions cause tuber rot. Amend soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and provide nutrients. Plant tubers outdoors after frost danger has passed and soil temperature warms to 60°F (15°C) or warmer. Plant tubers 4 to 6 inches deep, horizontally with the “eye” facing up, and space them 12 to 18 inches apart.
Ongoing Care for Chick a Dee Dahlias
Once established, ‘Chick a Dee’ dahlias need consistent care for continuous blooming. Regular watering is necessary, especially during dry periods, as dahlias are thirsty. Avoid overwatering, which causes tuber rot; deep watering once or twice a week is usually sufficient, letting soil dry slightly between waterings. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilization supports growth and flowering. Feed dahlias regularly with a balanced fertilizer, or one for flowers, every few weeks. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they promote leafy growth over blooms.
Pinching the main stem when the plant is 8 to 12 inches tall encourages bushier plants and more flowers. Deadheading spent blooms directs energy to new flowers, extending the blooming period.
Common Challenges and Solutions
When growing ‘Chick a Dee’ dahlias, common issues include pests and diseases. Slugs and snails can be deterred by keeping soil dry or manual removal. Aphids and earwigs can also affect dahlias; manage them with regular inspection and appropriate controls.
Powdery mildew, appearing as white, dusty spots on leaves, is frequent in humid conditions. Improve air circulation through spacing and pruning, and use preventative sprays like neem oil or sulfur.
If dahlias fail to bloom, common reasons are insufficient sunlight, over-fertilization with too much nitrogen, or inconsistent watering. Address these factors to encourage flowering.
Overwintering Chick a Dee Dahlia Tubers
In colder climates, ‘Chick a Dee’ dahlia tubers are not hardy and must be lifted and stored. This process begins after the first hard frost blackens foliage. Cut stems back to 4 to 6 inches, then carefully dig tubers.
Wash off any remaining soil and dry them for several days in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. This curing process helps prevent rot during storage. Once dry, store tubers in a cool, dark, dry location (40-50°F / 4-10°C), such as an unheated basement or garage.
Pack them in materials like vermiculite, peat moss, or sawdust in a cardboard box or crate. This helps maintain consistent conditions and prevents direct contact between tubers, ensuring they remain viable for spring planting.