Dahlias are popular garden plants, celebrated for their diverse forms and vibrant colors. ‘Dahlia Crazy Legs’ is a unique and captivating choice, offering an unusual and dynamic display. Gardeners seeking vibrancy and unconventional charm will find it a compelling addition to their landscape.
Distinctive Features of ‘Crazy Legs’ Dahlia
‘Dahlia Crazy Legs’ features distinct petal formation, characteristic of stellar dahlias. Its blooms are star-shaped, with pointed petals radiating outward, often partially rolled to create a quilled or orchid-like appearance. The color palette blends glowing orange and yellow, often accented by a deep red or raspberry-red center. Some variations include cream, peach, or fuchsia, with the reverse side of petals sometimes displaying a pinkish-red hue. Blooms typically measure 3 to 4 inches in diameter on upright plants reaching 4 to 5 feet tall. Its unique petal structure, varied coloration, and substantial height make ‘Crazy Legs’ a striking garden statement.
Planting Your ‘Crazy Legs’ Dahlia
Plant ‘Dahlia Crazy Legs’ tubers outdoors after all danger of frost has passed, when soil temperature consistently reaches about 60°F (15°C), typically in late spring. In cooler climates, start tubers indoors in containers about a month before the last frost. Dahlias need full sun, at least six to eight hours daily, for best growth.
The planting site requires well-draining soil, as tubers rot in overly wet conditions. Amend soil with organic matter like compost or peat moss to improve drainage and enrich it, aiming for a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Loosen the bed to at least 12 inches deep, removing any debris.
Dig a hole 6 to 8 inches deep. Position the tuber with its “eye” facing upwards. Cover with 2 to 3 inches of soil initially, gradually filling as the stem sprouts. Space tubers 12 to 18 inches apart for mature size and good air circulation. Avoid heavy watering immediately after planting unless soil is extremely dry; wait until sprouts emerge to prevent tuber rot.
Ongoing Care for ‘Crazy Legs’
Water ‘Dahlia Crazy Legs’ consistently once established, especially during dry periods. Aim for deep watering two to three times a week, ensuring the soil remains moist like a wrung-out sponge, particularly as summer progresses and temperatures rise. Water at the base of the plant rather than overhead to reduce the risk of fungal issues like powdery mildew.
For best blooming, fertilize dahlias with a low-nitrogen, liquid fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10 or 10-20-20 blend) every three to four weeks from sprout emergence until early autumn. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers once buds form, as this promotes leafy growth at the expense of flower production and can impact tuber quality.
Dahlias can attract pests like aphids, slugs, snails, spider mites, and caterpillars. Regularly inspect plants for early detection. Horticultural soaps or neem oil control aphids and spider mites, while hand-picking addresses slugs, snails, and caterpillars. Preventative measures, such as good garden hygiene and adequate air circulation, also contribute to plant health.
Given their 4 to 5-foot height, ‘Crazy Legs’ dahlias benefit from staking for support against wind and rain, which can cause stems to break. Install sturdy stakes at planting time or when plants are small to avoid damaging tubers later. As the plant grows, gently tie stems to the stakes every foot or so. Regularly remove spent blooms (deadhead) to encourage more flowers throughout the growing season. This redirects the plant’s energy into new buds rather than setting seed, prolonging the blooming period.
Winter Care and Tuber Storage
In colder climates where ground freezes, ‘Dahlia Crazy Legs’ tubers require lifting and storing for winter. The optimal time is after the first hard killing frost, or once the foliage has turned brown, signaling tuber dormancy.
To prepare tubers, cut stems back to 5 to 6 inches above ground. Carefully dig up the entire plant, gently shaking off excess soil. Allow tubers to air dry for a few days in a cool, sheltered location to “cure” them, which helps prevent rot during storage. Store cured tubers in a cool, dark place where temperatures remain consistently between 40-50°F (5-10°C). Suitable storage mediums include peat moss, shredded paper, or cedar shavings, placed in cardboard boxes or plastic crates for ventilation. Check tubers periodically throughout winter and remove any showing signs of rot or mold to prevent spread.
Designing with ‘Crazy Legs’ Dahlia
‘Dahlia Crazy Legs’ makes a vibrant focal point in garden designs with its unique, star-shaped blooms and striking colors. Its distinctive appearance anchors mixed borders, drawing the eye. When selecting companion plants, consider those that offer contrasting textures or complementary colors, such as ornamental grasses or other dahlias with different bloom forms.
This dahlia variety is also well-suited for use as a cut flower, known for its long, strong stems, making them easy to arrange. For the best vase life, harvest blooms in the early morning when they are about three-quarters to fully open, as they do not open much further once cut. Remove any foliage that would fall below the waterline in a vase to keep the water clean. Placing freshly cut stems immediately into water helps maintain their hydration and extends their display indoors.