‘Dahlia Fired Up’ is a vibrant choice for gardeners, offering a striking display that enhances outdoor spaces. Its vivid coloration and impressive blooms make it a sought-after variety, creating a focal point in landscapes and floral arrangements.
Distinctive Features of ‘Dahlia Fired Up’
‘Dahlia Fired Up’ features a vibrant blend of colors. Classified as a dinnerplate dahlia, its large blooms measure 7 to 8 inches (18-20 cm) across. Petals transition from fiery red-orange tips to a yellow center, creating a flame-like appearance.
The petals are quilled, fimbriated, or semi-cactus, with a slightly twisted or split tip that adds texture. This gives the blossoms a captivating look. The plant reaches 4.5 to 5 feet (110-150 cm) tall, making it a noticeable presence in any garden.
Cultivating ‘Dahlia Fired Up’
Cultivating ‘Dahlia Fired Up’ requires proper site selection and soil preparation. These dahlias thrive in full sun, needing at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil should be well-draining, fertile, and rich in organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure.
Plant tubers in spring after frost danger has passed and soil temperature warms above 60°F (15°C). Dig a hole 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) deep and place the tuber horizontally with the “eye” facing upward. Space tubers 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm) apart for mature plant size and good air circulation.
Maintain consistent moisture throughout the growing season, but avoid overwatering, especially before shoots emerge, to prevent tuber rot. Once plants are actively growing, regular watering is necessary, particularly during dry spells. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Fertilizing promotes abundant blooms. Dahlias benefit from a low-nitrogen fertilizer, higher in phosphorus and potassium (e.g., 5-10-10 or 10-20-20). Apply fertilizer about 30 days after planting, then every three to four weeks. Over-fertilizing with nitrogen can lead to lush foliage but fewer flowers.
Pinching young plants encourages bushier growth and more flowers. When the plant reaches 8 to 12 inches (20-30 cm) tall with at least four sets of leaves, pinch off the top set of leaves and the central growing tip. This redirects energy, promoting multiple stems.
Due to their height and large blooms, ‘Dahlia Fired Up’ plants require staking to prevent stems from breaking, especially in windy conditions. Insert stakes, such as wooden or metal posts, at planting time or shortly thereafter. As the plant grows, tie stems loosely to the support. Regular deadheading of spent blooms encourages continuous new flowers until the first frost.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Cultivating ‘Dahlia Fired Up’ may present challenges, including pests, diseases, and blooming issues. Slugs and snails are problematic, especially for young plants, feeding on tender foliage. Hand-picking or using organic repellents can manage their populations.
Other common insect pests include aphids, earwigs, thrips, and spider mites. Aphids can be dislodged with a strong water spray or insecticidal soap. Keeping the garden tidy deters earwigs, which hide in plant debris. Spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions, causing leaves to yellow and wilt; insecticidal soaps control them.
Dahlias are susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew, especially in humid conditions or with poor air circulation. Prevent this by ensuring adequate plant spacing and avoiding overhead watering. Removing affected leaves and applying fungicide can control outbreaks. Botrytis, or grey mold, can also affect blooms in wet weather.
A lack of blooms often has identifiable causes. Insufficient sunlight is a common reason, as dahlias need ample light to produce flowers. Over-fertilization with nitrogen can lead to excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Improper pinching or failure to deadhead spent blooms can also reduce flowering. Adjusting care practices based on these factors encourages more prolific blooming.
Overwintering ‘Dahlia Fired Up’
In regions with cold winters (USDA Hardiness Zones 3-7), ‘Dahlia Fired Up’ tubers are not winter-hardy and must be dug up and stored indoors. Dig after the first hard frost blackens foliage, but before a deep freeze. This allows tubers to toughen their skin and cure for storage.
Cut dahlia stalks down to 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) above ground. Carefully dig around the plant, away from the central stem, to avoid damaging tubers. Gently lift the clump from the soil and remove excess dirt.
After digging, cure tubers by air drying them in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area for a few days to a week, protected from frost. Once dried, store tubers in a cool, dark, humid location where temperatures remain 40-50°F (4-10°C), such as an unheated basement or garage.
Ideal storage mediums include peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings, which maintain moisture without promoting rot. Place tubers in breathable containers like cardboard boxes or paper bags, ensuring they do not touch. Periodically check stored tubers for mold, rot, or shriveling, adjusting humidity if needed.