The Chimacum Davi Dahlia is a sought-after plant known for its striking beauty. Its vibrant blooms and elegant form contribute to its widespread appeal. Gardeners frequently choose this dahlia variety to add sophistication and enduring color throughout the growing season.
Distinctive Features of Chimacum Davi Dahlia
The Chimacum Davi Dahlia stands out with its miniature ball-form blooms, which measure 2 to 3.5 inches across. These spherical flowers combine creamy white with blush-pink centers and darker pink petal edges, creating a subtly blushing appearance. The plant reaches a height of 3 to 4.5 feet, with a spread of 1 to 1.5 feet. Its upright habit and strong stems make it an excellent choice for garden borders and as a cut flower, providing elegant blooms for arrangements. Its consistent flower size and sturdy growth contribute to its visual appeal.
Cultivating Chimacum Davi Dahlia
Cultivating Chimacum Davi Dahlias requires proper site selection. These plants thrive in full sunlight, ideally at least six hours of direct sun daily for abundant flowering. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter, such as compost, to ensure fertility and prevent waterlogging.
Plant tubers after the last spring frost, once the soil has warmed. Dig a hole 4 to 6 inches deep and place the tuber with the “eye” facing upwards. If planting multiple tubers, space them 18 to 24 inches apart for adequate growth and air circulation. After covering the tubers with soil, gently press down to remove air pockets, then water thoroughly to settle the soil.
Ongoing Care for Abundant Blooms
Chimacum Davi Dahlias require consistent watering, preferring moist but not waterlogged soil. Once established, water deeply three to four times a week. Check soil moisture before watering; provide water when the top few inches feel dry. Overwatering can lead to tuber rot.
Regular fertilization supports healthy growth and prolific blooming. Apply a low-nitrogen, high-potassium, high-phosphorus fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10 blend) every three to four weeks during the growing season. Alternatively, incorporate granular fertilizer or compost when plants are around six inches tall. Staking is necessary to support tall dahlias with heavy blooms, preventing them from falling over. Insert stakes when the plant is young, around 12 inches tall, to avoid damaging tubers.
Pinch the main stem when the plant reaches 12 inches tall to encourage bushier growth and more flowers by developing multiple branches. Deadhead spent blooms to signal the plant to produce more flowers instead of seeds. This maintains aesthetic appeal and promotes continuous new blooms.
Winter Care and Tuber Storage
In colder climates where the ground freezes deeply, lift Chimacum Davi Dahlia tubers before the first hard frost to prevent freezing and rot. In milder winter regions (USDA Zones 8-10), tubers can remain in the ground, possibly with protective mulch. After frost blackens foliage, cut stems back to 3 to 4 inches above ground. Carefully dig around the plant, lifting the entire tuber clump without damage, as broken tubers are more susceptible to rot.
Brush off excess soil; washing is not recommended as it can introduce moisture leading to rot. Cure tubers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area for a few days to a week until the skin toughens. Store cured tubers in a cool, dark, dry location (40-50°F / 4-10°C, 75-85% humidity). Use peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings as storage mediums to maintain humidity and prevent dehydration. Store in well-ventilated containers like cardboard boxes or crates, checking monthly for shriveling or rot.
Common Growing Challenges
Chimacum Davi Dahlias can encounter garden pests and diseases. Common pests include aphids, slugs, earwigs, and spider mites. Aphids cluster on new growth, causing stunted or distorted leaves; manage with insecticidal soap or natural predators. Slugs and snails feed on tender leaves, leaving irregular holes; deter with barriers or traps. Spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions, causing discoloration and stippling; control by hosing plants off or using miticides.
Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves, especially in humid conditions. Good air circulation through proper spacing and avoiding overhead watering helps prevent its spread. Botrytis (gray mold) causes brown spots on leaves and flowers, particularly in cool, wet weather. Remove affected parts and promote good air circulation. Maintaining overall plant health through appropriate care practices reduces susceptibility to these challenges.