The ‘Dahlia Electric Flash’ is a popular choice for gardeners seeking a vibrant and dynamic display. Its unique aesthetic and striking appearance bring lively energy to garden beds and containers.
Understanding Dahlia Electric Flash
The ‘Dahlia Electric Flash’ showcases a distinctive coloration. Its semi-cactus form features petals that are often pointed and curled backward. Blooms display an electrifying combination of vibrant yellow interiors transitioning to tropical orange and hot pink tips, sometimes described as a yellow center deeply edged with pinkish-red, developing to cerise pink as the flower matures.
These medium to large-sized flowers, measuring around 15-16 cm across, sit atop sturdy stems. Plants reach a mature height of 24-36 inches (60-100 cm) and spread 18-24 inches wide, complemented by lush green foliage. This dahlia offers continuous blooms from mid-summer until the first frost.
Planting and Site Selection
Plant ‘Dahlia Electric Flash’ tubers outdoors in spring after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed sufficiently, ideally to 60°F (15°C). This usually occurs around late May in many regions.
Dahlias thrive in a location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sun daily. Morning sun is beneficial, helping dry dew from leaves. In hotter climates, afternoon shade can protect foliage. The soil should be well-drained and enriched with organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5-7.0). Adding compost, well-rotted manure, or arborist bark mulch improves soil structure and moisture retention.
Place tubers 4-6 inches deep, or 10-12 inches deep in loosened, enriched soil, with the growing eye facing upward or horizontally. Space plants approximately 12 inches apart; larger varieties may need 2-3 feet. Avoid watering immediately after planting until green shoots appear, as excessive moisture can lead to tuber rot.
Essential Care for Vibrant Blooms
Once shoots emerge, regular watering is necessary, at least once per week and increasing frequency during dry spells. Deep watering is preferable, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses provide consistent moisture without wetting foliage, which helps prevent fungal issues.
Dahlias benefit from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced flower fertilizer every four to six weeks, or a low-nitrogen formula (e.g., 5-10-10 or 0-20-20) to promote flower production. Pinch the plant when it reaches 8-12 inches tall by removing the top 3-4 inches of the central stem; this encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly for continuous reblooming and a tidy appearance.
Due to their height, ‘Dahlia Electric Flash’ plants often benefit from staking to support heavy blooms and prevent stems from bending or breaking, especially in windy conditions. Various staking methods, including individual stakes or a corral system with twine, can be employed. Monitor for pests like slugs and aphids, particularly in early growth stages, and address any signs of disease.
Winterizing and Storage
For gardeners in colder climates where the ground freezes, winterizing ‘Dahlia Electric Flash’ tubers is necessary. After the first hard frost kills the foliage, dig up the tubers. Allow them to remain in the ground for one to two weeks after frost to cure slightly before digging.
Carefully loosen the soil around the plant using a pitchfork. Gently remove excess soil from the tuber clumps, then allow them to dry for a few days in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Once dry, clean the tubers further by removing any remaining soil and trimming off root hairs or broken pieces.
Store the cleaned and cured tubers in a cool, dark, frost-free location, with temperatures between 40-50°F (4-10°C). Good air circulation helps prevent rot. Tubers can be stored in bins or boxes filled with peat moss, vermiculite, or shredded newspaper to maintain humidity and prevent desiccation. Regularly check stored tubers for signs of rot or shriveling throughout winter, removing any affected ones to prevent spread.