Dahlia ‘Bodacious’ is a dinnerplate dahlia known for its striking presence and impressive, large blooms. Its vibrant flowers command attention, creating a dramatic visual impact in garden beds and floral arrangements. This captivating plant is a rewarding choice for a truly show-stopping display.
Understanding Dahlia Bodacious Characteristics
Dahlia ‘Bodacious’ is a dinnerplate dahlia, known for its exceptionally large flowers, often 9 to 11 inches in diameter. Its petals display a vibrant red hue with contrasting yellow tips, sometimes appearing fiery red-orange with creamy yellow undersides as they mature. These broad, slightly curved petals form a full, rounded bloom.
This dahlia typically grows 36 to 48 inches tall, with a spread of 18 to 24 inches, though it can reach up to 60 inches. It has a bushy, upright growth habit with robust stems supporting its substantial flowers. Blooming from mid-summer until the first frost, ‘Bodacious’ provides long-lasting color. Its dark green foliage offers a lush backdrop for the bright blooms.
Planting Dahlia Bodacious
Dahlias thrive in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. In regions with intense summer heat, afternoon shade can protect the plants.
Well-draining, fertile soil is essential, as dahlias do not tolerate waterlogged conditions that lead to tuber rot. Amend heavy clay soils with compost or peat moss to improve drainage and enrich the soil. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) is suitable.
Plant Dahlia ‘Bodacious’ tubers in spring, after the last frost and when soil temperature reaches at least 60°F (15°C). Plant tubers 4 to 6 inches deep, with the “eye” facing upward. Space tubers 18 to 36 inches apart for proper air circulation. Do not water immediately after planting; wait until green sprouts emerge to avoid rot.
Caring for Dahlia Bodacious
Water Dahlia ‘Bodacious’ consistently, especially during dry periods. Once green sprouts appear, deep water two to three times per week, increasing frequency during hot, dry spells. Avoid overhead watering to minimize fungal disease risk. Container-grown dahlias may need daily watering in hot weather.
Dahlias benefit from regular fertilization. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10 or 10-20-20 NPK) to encourage blooms over leafy growth. Begin fertilizing about 30 days after planting, continuing every two to three weeks for container plants or every three to four weeks for in-ground plants.
Staking is necessary for Dahlia ‘Bodacious’ due to its tall stature and heavy blooms. Place a strong stake at planting time to support stems as they grow. Tie stems to the stake every 12 to 18 inches.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms throughout the season. Regularly cutting flowers for bouquets also promotes continuous flowering. Pinching back the main shoot when the plant is about 12 inches tall encourages bushier growth and more flowers.
In colder climates (USDA Zones 7 and below), Dahlia ‘Bodacious’ tubers are not winter hardy. Dig them up and store indoors before the first hard frost. After foliage browns, carefully lift tubers, clean excess soil, and dry for a few days in a frost-free area. Store in a cool, dry place, in slightly moist peat moss or sand, until replanting next spring.
Addressing Common Dahlia Bodacious Challenges
Common pests affecting Dahlia ‘Bodacious’ include slugs, snails, earwigs, aphids, and spider mites. Aphids can damage plants and spread viral diseases. Regular inspection helps in early detection and management, using manual removal, insecticidal soaps, or targeted treatments.
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew, botrytis (gray mold), and various wilts can affect dahlias. Powdery mildew causes white spots on leaves in warm, humid conditions. Botrytis leads to brown, water-soaked spots and fuzzy gray mold. Verticillium and fusarium wilts cause leaves to yellow and wilt, potentially killing the plant. Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and practice garden hygiene to prevent these issues.
Tuber rot, caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil, leads to mushy stems and tubers. Bacterial diseases like crown gall (overgrowths) and bacterial wilt (wilting) can also occur.
Lack of blooms or leggy growth often indicates care deficiencies. Leggy growth (tall, spindly stems with sparse foliage) may result from insufficient light or excess nitrogen. Too much nitrogen can also reduce blooms. Ensure full sun exposure and use a low-nitrogen fertilizer to encourage robust, floriferous plants. Viral diseases, spread by insects like thrips or aphids, cause stunted growth, distorted foliage, and discoloration; infected plants should be removed to prevent spread.