Dahlia ‘Innocence’ is a cherished variety appreciated for its delicate beauty and consistent blooms. This specific dahlia offers a graceful presence in garden settings and is a favored choice for floral arrangements.
Dahlia Innocence Characteristics
Dahlia ‘Innocence’ showcases elegant waterlily-form blooms, characterized by petals that gently curl towards the center. The blossoms exhibit a soft pink hue, often with a creamy white center where the petals emerge. These flowers typically reach 5 to 6 inches in diameter.
The plant grows to a height of about 3 to 5 feet. It produces abundant blooms on strong, upright stems throughout the growing season. The foliage is well-spaced, preventing crowding.
Planting Dahlia Innocence
Plant tubers in mid to late spring, after the last frost and when soil temperature consistently reaches at least 60°F.
Dahlias thrive in full sunlight, ideally six to eight hours daily, with good air circulation. The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. Amending heavy soils with compost, peat moss, or sand can improve aeration, and a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) is suitable. Plant tubers 4 to 6 inches deep with the eye facing upward. Space them 12 to 24 inches apart for adequate room and airflow. Avoid watering tubers immediately after planting; wait until sprouts emerge to prevent rot.
Ongoing Care for Dahlia Innocence
Once established, consistent care supports healthy growth and abundant blooms. Established plants require deep watering once or twice weekly during warm, dry periods. This deep watering encourages the development of a strong root system.
Within 30 days of planting, apply a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer (e.g., 0-20-20 or 10-20-20). Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers, as they encourage excessive foliage at the expense of flowers and can lead to weak stems. Fertilize monthly with a balanced organic or low-nitrogen, bloom-focused formula.
As plants grow, providing support is important. Implement staking or caging early, ideally when planting tubers or when plants are small, to prevent stem damage. Deadheading spent blossoms encourages more flowers by redirecting energy from seed production to new blooms.
Dahlias can encounter common pests and diseases. Spider mites cause yellow spots and browning of leaves, especially in hot weather. Aphids can lead to curling leaves, and powdery mildew may appear as a white coating in humid conditions. Regular inspection helps identify issues early. Preventative spraying with insecticidal soap or neem spray can manage pest populations. Proper spacing also improves air circulation, reducing fungal diseases.
Winter Dormancy and Storage
For gardeners in colder climates where the ground freezes, preparing Dahlia ‘Innocence’ for winter dormancy is necessary to preserve tubers for the following season. Dig tubers approximately two weeks after the first hard frost, when foliage has turned brown. This period allows tubers to “cure” underground, helping them shrivel less during storage.
After digging, gently wash off excess soil. Briefly dip them in a diluted bleach solution (e.g., 5% bleach) to help prevent fungal issues. Allow tubers to air-dry completely in a cool, indirect light location to ensure they are dry before storage, preventing rot.
Store cured tubers in a cool, dark, and dry environment, ideally 40-50°F. A high humidity level (around 93-95%) is ideal. Pack tubers in a medium such as slightly dampened peat moss, sawdust, wood shavings, or coarse vermiculite within cardboard boxes or paper bags, ensuring good air circulation. Avoid plastic bags or airtight containers, as they can trap moisture and lead to rot. Check tubers monthly throughout winter for any signs of rot or shriveling.
Garden and Cut Flower Uses
Dahlia ‘Innocence’ offers versatility in both garden design and as a cut flower. Its pleasing form and color make it suitable for various garden applications, including mixed borders, mass plantings, or as a focal point in containers. The plant’s upright growth and blooming habit contribute to a vibrant display throughout the summer and fall.
As a cut flower, Dahlia ‘Innocence’ is valued for its strong stems and suitability in floral arrangements, particularly for events like weddings. To maximize vase life, harvest blooms when they are about three-quarters open, as dahlias do not unfurl much after cutting. Immediately after harvesting, place stems into very warm water (160-180°F) for at least an hour to condition them, which can extend their freshness in a vase to approximately five days. This variety pairs well with other blooms, adding a soft, elegant touch to bouquets.