Dahlia ‘Esli’ is a highly sought-after variety, admired for its vibrant blooms and graceful form. Its striking visual appeal enhances any garden space or floral arrangement.
Meet Dahlia Esli
Dahlia ‘Esli’ is a decorative dahlia with fully double flowerheads. Its broad, flat petals are either flat or slightly incurved, and blooms reach 3 to 4 inches (8-9 cm) in diameter. The petals display a blend of soft pink hues, often starting with a deeper pink or salmon pink center that transitions to lighter pink on the outer edges. A delicate yellow blush or golden undertone at the core adds to its vintage charm.
It stands approximately 2.5 to 3 feet (70-90 cm) tall, suitable for garden borders and larger containers. ‘Dahlia Esli’ blooms prolifically from mid-summer until the first hard frost. Its sturdy stems and continuous production make it an excellent option for cut flower arrangements.
Planting Your Dahlia Esli
Plant Dahlia ‘Esli’ after the last spring frost, when soil temperatures consistently reach 60°F (15°C). Planting too early in cold, damp soil can lead to tuber rot. ‘Esli’ thrives with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily, particularly morning sun. Good air circulation also benefits plant health.
Dahlias prefer fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.5). Before planting, loosen the soil to at least 12 inches (30 cm) deep and amend it with compost or organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. Dig a hole 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) deep and place the tuber horizontally with the “eye” or sprout facing upwards. Cover the tuber with a few inches of soil initially, then gradually fill the hole as the plant grows.
Space ‘Dahlia Esli’ tubers 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm) apart for growth and air circulation. Avoid watering immediately after planting; wait until the first green shoots emerge, as early watering can cause tubers to rot. Once sprouts appear, provide a thorough initial watering.
Ongoing Care for Dahlia Esli
Once established, ‘Dahlia Esli’ requires consistent moisture, but avoid overwatering. Water deeply once or twice a week, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Drip irrigation or watering at the base keeps foliage dry and prevents fungal issues. Mulching around the plants helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Dahlias are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced, all-purpose granular fertilizer at planting time. Throughout the growing season, apply a liquid fertilizer with lower nitrogen and higher phosphorus and potassium monthly to encourage blooms over leafy growth. Too much nitrogen can result in weak stems and reduced flower production.
Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage more flowers throughout the season. Trim wilted blooms just above where the flower stem meets a leaf or a new bud. This redirects energy to continuous flowering. Due to their mature height and abundant blooms, ‘Dahlia Esli’ plants require staking or other support to prevent stems from flopping. Install stakes at planting time to prevent future root damage.
Overwintering Dahlia Esli Tubers
In regions with freezing winter temperatures (USDA Zones 3-7), ‘Dahlia Esli’ tubers must be lifted and stored indoors. After the first hard frost blackens the foliage in late fall, cut stems back to 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) above ground. Carefully dig up the tubers, taking care not to damage them.
Remove soil from clumps and air-dry for a few days in a cool, frost-free, well-ventilated location away from direct sunlight. Some growers wash tubers lightly if soil is sticky, others do not. Once dried, remove any remaining large soil clumps and trim fine roots.
Store tubers in a cool, dark, dry place between 40-50°F (4.4-10°C). A ventilated container, such as a cardboard box or plastic bin, filled with a dry medium like peat moss, vermiculite, or clean wood shavings, helps maintain humidity and prevents desiccation or rot. Periodically check stored tubers throughout winter, removing any showing signs of rot or shriveling and adjusting conditions as needed.
Troubleshooting Common Dahlia Esli Issues
Dahlia ‘Esli’ can encounter issues affecting growth and bloom. Non-blooming can stem from insufficient sunlight; dahlias require at least six hours of direct sun daily. Over-fertilizing with high nitrogen can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers; a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer is preferred. Waterlogged soil, due to overwatering or poor drainage, can inhibit bud development and lead to root rot.
Leggy growth, characterized by tall, weak stems, indicates a lack of adequate light or improper pinching. Pinching the main stem when the plant is about 12 inches (30 cm) tall encourages bushier growth and more flower-producing side shoots. Proper plant spacing also promotes better air circulation, which helps prevent fungal problems.
Common pests include aphids, spider mites, slugs, and snails. Aphids can be dislodged with a strong spray of water, while slug and snail damage can be managed by keeping the area dry and using organic repellents. Spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions; horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps can help manage infestations. Fungal diseases like powdery mildew, appearing as a white coating on leaves, result from poor air circulation or overhead watering. Watering at the base and ensuring good spacing can reduce the risk of these issues.