Dahlia ‘Bora Bora’ is a popular choice for gardeners, offering a vibrant display of continuous blooms that can transform any garden space. Its striking appearance makes it a favorite for those seeking a dramatic floral impact.
Identifying Dahlia Bora Bora
Dahlia ‘Bora Bora’ is recognized for its unique semi-cactus flower type, characterized by slightly curved, layered petals that create a sense of movement. The flowers showcase a blend of dark coral-pink or fiery red hues transitioning to golden yellow or orange at their heart, giving a radiant appearance. These fully double blooms measure 6 to 8 inches wide (15-20 cm). The plant exhibits a bushy, upright growth habit, reaching 36 to 48 inches (90-120 cm) tall and spreading 20 to 28 inches (50-70 cm). Its lush, deep green foliage provides a striking contrast to the vibrant blooms.
Planting Dahlia Bora Bora
Plant Dahlia ‘Bora Bora’ tubers in early to mid-spring, after the last expected frost, when soil temperatures consistently remain above 5°C (41°F). ‘Bora Bora’ thrives in full sun (at least six hours daily) and needs shelter from strong winds to protect its tall stems and large blooms. The plant requires fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, as waterlogged conditions can lead to tuber rot. If your soil drains poorly, incorporating fine gravel or compost can improve drainage.
When planting, dig a hole 6 to 12 inches deep and amend the bottom with compost. Place the tuber horizontally about 2 to 4 inches deep, ensuring the ‘eye’ or sprout faces upward. Space tubers 24 to 40 inches (60-100 cm) apart for optimal growth and air circulation. After covering with soil, water thoroughly to help settle it, but avoid excessive watering until sprouts appear above ground, especially in areas with regular spring rain.
Caring for Dahlia Bora Bora
Dahlia ‘Bora Bora’ requires consistent moisture throughout its growing season. While tubers should not be overwatered immediately after planting, once the plant has sprouted and established, deep water two to three times per week, ensuring water penetrates 8 to 10 inches deep. More frequent watering may be necessary in hotter, drier climates. Fertilization is beneficial; dahlias are heavy feeders. Apply a balanced fertilizer high in phosphorus monthly during the growing season to promote abundant blooming. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
As ‘Bora Bora’ reaches significant heights, staking is necessary to support its heavy blooms. Stake at planting to avoid damaging tubers later. Regularly removing spent blooms, known as deadheading, encourages the plant to produce more flowers and extends the blooming season from mid-summer until the first frost. To deadhead, cut the spent flower at the intersection of the stem and the first set of leaves. Maintaining good air circulation by pruning dead or damaged stems and keeping the area free of debris helps prevent common pests (like aphids, slugs, earwigs, spider mites) and fungal diseases such as powdery mildew.
Overwintering Dahlia Bora Bora Tubers
In regions with cold winters (USDA Hardiness Zones 3-7), Dahlia ‘Bora Bora’ tubers must be dug up for overwintering. The process begins after the first hard frost blackens the plant’s foliage, signaling the end of the growing season. Leaving tubers in the ground for one to two weeks after frost can toughen their skins, but dig them immediately if a hard freeze is expected, as frozen tubers will not survive. After cutting stems back to about 4 to 6 inches, carefully dig around the tuber clump with a pitchfork, mindful not to damage the delicate tubers.
Once dug, gently brush off excess soil; washing is not recommended as it can lead to shriveling. Allow tubers to air dry for a few days in a cool, dark, frost-free location out of direct sunlight to cure them and prevent rot. For storage, place cleaned, dried tubers in ventilated containers (e.g., cardboard boxes, plastic bins, or paper bags). Surround tubers with a slightly moistened medium like sand, peat moss, or vermiculite, ensuring they do not touch. Store containers in a cool, dark, frost-free environment with consistent temperatures between 40-50°F (4-10°C) and 75-85% relative humidity, periodically checking tubers throughout winter for signs of rot or excessive drying and adjusting conditions as needed.