‘Dahlia First Love’ is a captivating and popular choice among garden enthusiasts, known for its unique charm and visual appeal. This specific dahlia variety, part of the ‘Happy Single’ series, enhances any garden setting with its distinctive appearance and vibrant blooms.
Understanding ‘Dahlia First Love’
‘Dahlia First Love’ is distinguished by its striking floral and foliage characteristics. Its single flowers display a beautiful blend of peach-pink and soft buttery yellow, often accented by a narrow orange-red ring that encircles a chocolate-brown or dark central disc. These blooms typically measure up to 4 inches (11 cm) in width.
Complementing these blossoms is the plant’s dark foliage, which can range from deep forest green to plum-black or bronze-burgundy. This dark backdrop creates a dramatic contrast, making the lighter-hued flowers stand out. The plant reaches a medium height, generally around 24 inches (60 cm) to 3 feet (90 cm), and offers a long blooming period from mid-summer until the first frost, typically July through October or November. This extended flowering season, coupled with its open single-form blooms, also makes it attractive to pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Planting ‘Dahlia First Love’
Successful cultivation of ‘Dahlia First Love’ begins with proper planting. The ideal time to plant these dahlias is in the spring, after all danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature has warmed to approximately 60°F (15°C). For many regions, this falls between mid-April and mid-May. For an earlier start, tubers can be initiated indoors in pots about four to six weeks before the anticipated outdoor planting date.
Choosing the right location is important for healthy growth. ‘Dahlia First Love’ thrives in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily to produce abundant blooms. While full sun is preferred, it tolerates light shade, particularly in areas experiencing intense summer heat, and benefits from a sheltered spot to protect its stems from strong winds. The soil should be well-drained, fertile, and rich in organic matter; incorporating compost improves soil structure and nutrient availability.
When planting, dig a hole 3 to 5 inches deep. Position the tuber horizontally with the “eye,” or sprout-side, facing upwards, then cover it with soil. Space individual tubers approximately 12 to 24 inches apart for adequate air circulation and growth. Do not water immediately after planting; water sparingly only after the first green sprouts emerge, as premature watering can lead to tuber rot.
Ongoing Care for ‘Dahlia First Love’
Maintaining ‘Dahlia First Love’ throughout the growing season involves consistent attention to watering, feeding, and plant health. Once established and showing green growth, plants require consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Deep watering two to three times a week is effective, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged, as their fleshy roots are susceptible to rot. The plant’s water needs increase as it grows larger.
Regular fertilization supports vigorous growth and prolific blooming. A balanced fertilizer can be applied every four to six weeks once plants reach about 6 inches in height. Discontinue fertilization once flower buds show color to avoid encouraging excessive foliage at the expense of blooms. While the ‘Happy Single’ series is compact, some taller plants or those in windy locations benefit from support to prevent stems from bending or breaking.
Deadheading, the removal of spent flowers, encourages the plant to produce more blooms throughout the season. This redirects the plant’s energy from seed production to continuous flowering. Monitor for common pests like aphids, earwigs, or slugs. Addressing any pest issues promptly helps maintain the plant’s vitality. Rotating planting locations annually helps prevent soil degradation and reduces susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Overwintering ‘Dahlia First Love’ Tubers
In regions with cold winters, typically USDA Hardiness Zones 3-7, ‘Dahlia First Love’ tubers need to be lifted and stored indoors to survive the colder months. This ensures the plant’s return in subsequent growing seasons. The ideal time to dig up tubers is after the first hard frost, which signals the end of the growing season and causes the foliage to die back.
To overwinter, cut the foliage down to about 4-6 inches from the ground. Use a garden fork to gently loosen the soil around the plant, taking care not to damage the tubers. Once lifted, gently remove excess soil. Allow the tubers to dry or “cure” for a few days in a frost-free, well-ventilated area before storing them.
For storage, select a cool, dark, and dry location where temperatures remain between 45-55°F (7-10°C). Tubers can be stored in cardboard boxes or paper bags, often nested in a medium like dry peat moss, vermiculite, or moistened sand to help maintain consistent humidity and prevent desiccation or rot. Properly labeled, these stored tubers remain viable and ready for replanting the following spring.