Dahlia ‘Honka’ is a distinctive variety known for its unique star-shaped blooms, often categorized within the “Orchid Dahlia” group. Its ornamental value and ease of cultivation make it a popular choice for gardeners seeking to add a unique visual element to their landscapes and floral arrangements.
Understanding Dahlia Honka’s Unique Appeal
Dahlia ‘Honka’ is recognized by its distinctive “orchid-type” or star-shaped flowers. These blooms feature eight narrow, pointed petals that radiate outward from a central disc, creating a striking pinwheel or starburst effect. The petals often exhibit a subtle inward curl towards their tips, adding to their elegant form.
The flowers are moderately sized, usually measuring around 3 to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. While commonly yellow, ‘Honka’ also appears in white, orange, and pink variations, with some mixes offering red and maroon hues. The plant has a bushy, upright growth habit, generally reaching 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) in height and spreading 1 to 2 feet (30-60 cm).
Planting and Site Selection for Honka Dahlias
Plant Dahlia ‘Honka’ tubers in late spring, after all danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature consistently reaches around 60°F (15°C). A location that receives full sun, meaning at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily, is optimal for robust growth and abundant flowering. In regions with intense summer heat, a spot with partial afternoon shade can be beneficial.
Dahlias thrive in well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is important to prevent waterlogging and tuber rot. If your soil is heavy clay, amending it with compost or other organic material will improve its structure and drainage.
Plant tubers 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) deep, ensuring the “eye” or growth point faces upward. Space tubers 12 to 24 inches (30-60 cm) apart for proper air circulation and growth. After planting, avoid watering until green sprouts emerge from the soil, as immediate watering can cause tubers to rot before they establish roots.
Essential Care for Healthy Honka Blooms
Once established, Dahlia ‘Honka’ requires consistent care. Regular watering is important, especially during dry periods, with deep watering a couple of times per week. Water at the soil level to avoid wetting the foliage, which helps prevent fungal diseases.
To encourage abundant flowering, use a low-nitrogen fertilizer, such as a 5-10-10 or 10-20-20 formulation. Begin fertilizing about 30 days after planting, and continue every three to four weeks throughout the growing season. Applying too much nitrogen can result in excessive leafy growth at the expense of flower production.
Taller ‘Honka’ varieties, reaching over 3 feet, may benefit from staking to provide support for their stems and heavy blooms. Installing stakes at planting time prevents disturbance to the growing plant. Regularly removing spent flowers, known as deadheading, encourages the plant to produce more blooms and maintains a tidy appearance.
Overwintering Honka Dahlia Tubers
In colder climates, typically USDA Zones 7 and below, Dahlia ‘Honka’ tubers cannot remain in the ground during winter. Tubers should be carefully dug up after the first hard frost blackens the foliage. After lifting, gently brush off any excess soil; some gardeners prefer to wash them thoroughly and allow them to air dry overnight.
Following cleaning, allow tubers to cure for one to two days in a well-ventilated area. This toughens their skin, reducing rot risk during storage. Store dried tubers in a cool, dark, and frost-free location between 40-50°F (4-10°C). Temperatures outside this range can cause damage or premature sprouting.
Maintaining 75-85% humidity is important; too little leads to shriveling, too much increases mold risk. Store tubers in bins or boxes, nestled in slightly moist peat moss, sand, or vermiculite, ensuring they don’t touch. Periodically inspect stored tubers throughout winter, removing any showing signs of rot.