Dahlia ‘Dark Spirit’ offers a dramatic visual impact with its striking, near-black appearance. It’s a popular choice for adding depth and contrast to floral displays. Its dark blooms enhance other garden colors.
Unveiling Dahlia Dark Spirit
Dahlia ‘Dark Spirit’ has deep, velvety, near-black or very dark burgundy flowers. Blooms are 2.7 to 4 inches (7-10 cm) in diameter, with a compact, fully double, ball or pompon form. Layers of inwardly curved petals create an almost spherical shape. This dark coloration contrasts powerfully in garden designs, making lighter plants stand out.
The plant reaches 2.5 to 3.5 feet (70-100 cm) tall with a spread of 1 to 1.5 feet (30-50 cm). Dark green foliage accentuates the blooms, making ‘Dahlia Dark Spirit’ a focal point in borders, containers, or cut flower arrangements. It is a prolific bloomer, producing flowers from mid-summer until the first frost.
Planting Dahlia Dark Spirit
Select a location with full sun, ideally at least eight hours daily. Soil should be well-draining, fertile, and have a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6-7), as dahlias rot in soggy conditions. Incorporate compost or aged manure a few weeks before planting to enrich the soil and improve drainage.
Plant after the last spring frost, when soil temperatures are above 60°F (15°C). Dig a hole 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) deep and wide enough for the tuber. Place the tuber horizontally with the “eye” (growth point) facing up, then backfill completely. Space tubers 18 to 24 inches (45-60 cm) apart for mature growth and air circulation. Avoid immediate watering unless the soil is very dry, as tubers can rot if overwatered before sprouting.
Caring for Dahlia Dark Spirit
Consistent moisture is important, especially as plants mature and temperatures rise, but avoid overwatering. Water deeply, aiming for damp soil about 5 inches (13 cm) deep, once or twice weekly in temperate conditions. In hot, dry weather, daily watering may be necessary, especially for container-grown plants. Watering at the base in the morning helps prevent fungal issues by allowing foliage to dry before nightfall.
Dahlias benefit from regular fertilization throughout the growing season. After 30 days, apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10 or 10-20-20) with higher phosphorus and potassium. This encourages abundant blooms over excessive foliage. Fertilize every 3-4 weeks for in-ground plants and every 2-3 weeks for container-grown dahlias, as nutrients leach faster from pots.
Deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowers by redirecting energy from seed production into new growth. Cut the spent flower stem back to a main stem or a leaf node where new buds are forming. Taller varieties (up to 3.5 feet or 100 cm) benefit from staking to support heavy blooms and prevent breakage, especially in windy conditions. Place stakes at planting time to avoid damaging tubers later.
Dahlias attract common garden pests like aphids, spider mites, slugs, and earwigs. Inspect plants regularly for signs of infestation: aphids cluster on new growth, spider mites cause stippling and webbing, and slugs/snails feed on young leaves. Good garden hygiene, like removing debris and weeds, helps deter pests. Insecticidal soap or neem oil treats aphids and spider mites, while hand-picking or traps manage slugs and earwigs. Prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew in humid conditions by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Overwintering Dahlia Dark Spirit Tubers
Dahlia ‘Dark Spirit’ is a tender perennial; its tubers cannot withstand freezing temperatures and must be lifted in colder climates (USDA Zones 3-7) for winter survival. After the first hard frost blackens foliage, allow tubers to remain in the ground for 10-14 days to cure before digging. This helps tubers develop “eyes” for the next growing season.
Carefully dig around the dahlia clump with a garden fork, avoiding tuber damage. Gently lift the clump and remove excess soil. Rinse tubers if soil is sticky, but ensure they are thoroughly air-dried. Allow them to dry for several days in a cool, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
Once dry, divide tubers if desired, ensuring each section has an “eye” (growth point) and part of the crown. Store cleaned, dried tubers in a cool, dark, frost-free location, ideally 40-50°F (4-10°C), using mediums like peat moss or vermiculite to prevent shriveling. Place them in cardboard boxes or bags with good air circulation. Periodically check stored tubers throughout winter, removing any showing signs of rot. In early spring, 4-6 weeks before the last frost, tubers can be prepared for replanting by pre-sprouting indoors or planting directly once outdoor conditions are suitable.