Dahlia Honey flowers display warm hues, ranging from soft golden yellows to deep amber, apricot, and bronze tones. They add warmth and richness to any landscape. Their diverse forms and honey-like colors make them a favorite for garden displays and fresh floral arrangements.
Understanding Dahlia Honey Varieties
Dahlia Honey varieties are defined by their warm color range, including apricot, golden yellow, bronze, and burnished copper. This color designation highlights dahlias that exude a natural warmth.
These honey-toned dahlias come in various flower forms. Common forms include decorative dahlias, characterized by their broad, flat petals and full appearance, and ball dahlias, which feature perfectly rounded, symmetrical blooms. Cactus and semi-cactus forms display spiky, rolled petals, while waterlily types have flat, open blooms with slightly cupped petals.
Planting Dahlia Honey Dahlias
Careful site selection is key for Dahlia Honey dahlias. These plants thrive in locations that receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for robust growth and abundant flowering. Adequate sunlight prevents leggy growth and encourages numerous, well-formed blooms. Choosing a spot with good air circulation also helps prevent fungal issues.
Preparing the soil properly is an important step before planting. Dahlias prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Amending heavy clay soils with compost, well-rotted manure, or peat moss improves drainage and provides essential nutrients, while sandy soils benefit from organic matter to enhance water retention. The ideal soil pH for dahlias is slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.5 and 7.0.
Planting should occur after the danger of the last spring frost has passed and the soil temperature has warmed to at least 60°F (15°C). Often, this is late April or early May. Dig a hole approximately 6 inches deep, placing the dahlia tuber horizontally with the “eye” or sprout pointing upwards.
Space individual tubers about 18 to 24 inches apart for mature plant size and air circulation. Covering the tuber with soil and watering lightly after planting settles the soil around the tuber.
Ongoing Care for Dahlia Honey Dahlias
Dahlia Honey dahlias need consistent moisture, especially during dry periods and flowering. These plants require deep watering two to three times a week, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to tuber rot, while insufficient water can stress the plant and reduce bloom production. Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants helps conserve soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilization supports vigorous growth and prolific blooming. Once the plants are established and show active growth, begin a regular feeding schedule. A balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer, such as a 5-10-10 or 10-20-20 formulation, applied every three to four weeks, encourages flower development rather than excessive foliage. Reducing fertilization as the season progresses helps prepare the tubers for dormancy.
Many Dahlia Honey varieties, particularly taller ones, benefit from staking to prevent their heavy blooms from snapping stems in wind or rain. Installing stakes at planting time or when plants are young allows the roots to establish around them without disturbance. As the plant grows, loosely tie the main stem to the stake using soft ties or twine, providing continuous support.
Deadheading spent blooms is a practice that encourages continuous flowering. Removing faded flowers prevents seed production, redirecting energy to new buds. Pinching the central stem when the plant is about 12 inches tall can also promote bushier growth and more flowers by encouraging lateral branching.
Overwintering Dahlia Honey Tubers
In colder climates where ground freezes, Dahlia Honey tubers must be lifted and stored indoors to survive the winter. Lift tubers after the first hard frost, when foliage blackens and the plant enters dormancy. Carefully dig around the plant, lifting the entire clump of tubers from the soil.
After lifting, gently remove as much soil as possible from the tubers without washing, as excess moisture causes rot. Allow the tubers to air dry in a cool, well-ventilated area for several days to a week; curing hardens their skin for storage. Once cured, store the tubers in a cool, dark, and dry location where temperatures remain consistently between 40-50°F (4-10°C).
Tubers can be stored in various mediums, such as peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings, placed in cardboard boxes or breathable containers. This medium maintains humidity and prevents drying. Regularly check the stored tubers throughout the winter for any signs of rot or shriveling. In warmer climates (USDA Zones 8-11), Dahlia Honey tubers can be left in the ground during winter if the soil is well-draining.
Troubleshooting Common Dahlia Issues
Dahlias encounter common garden pests, including aphids, slugs, and earwigs. Aphids can be dislodged with a strong spray of water or treated with insecticidal soap. Slugs and snails are managed with bait or by hand-picking them, especially during evening hours. Earwigs can be trapped using rolled-up newspapers or shallow dishes of oil.
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew may appear in humid conditions or areas with poor air circulation. Ensuring proper spacing between plants and watering at the base rather than overhead can help prevent its spread. If powdery mildew occurs, horticultural oils or fungicides can be applied. A lack of blooms might indicate insufficient sunlight, over-fertilization with nitrogen, or inadequate watering, while leggy growth points to a lack of sunlight.