The ‘Jan Van Schaffelaar’ dahlia is a captivating addition to any garden, offering vibrant color and a unique floral form. Its consistent blooming habit and striking appearance make it a favored choice for enhancing outdoor environments. This dahlia provides a dependable display of beauty, transforming beds and borders into vibrant spectacles throughout the growing season.
Characteristics of ‘Jan Van Schaffelaar’ Dahlia
The ‘Jan Van Schaffelaar’ dahlia is a pompon variety, distinguished by its perfectly formed, globular blooms. These exquisite flowers typically measure 2 to 3 inches (5-7 cm) in diameter, featuring layers of vibrant pink petals that curl inward to create a spherical appearance. The intricate shape of each bloom contributes to its visual appeal. They are set against a backdrop of dense, dark green foliage.
This dahlia grows vigorously, reaching a mature height of 24 to 36 inches (60-90 cm). Its erect, compact form suits mixed flowerbeds or containers. Blooming profusely from mid-summer until the first hard frost, ‘Jan Van Schaffelaar’ provides an extended period of color in the landscape.
Planting ‘Jan Van Schaffelaar’ Tubers
Selecting the appropriate planting site is important for successful ‘Jan Van Schaffelaar’ dahlia cultivation. These plants thrive in full sun, meaning at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily; light afternoon shade can be beneficial in hotter climates. Well-draining soil is equally important, as excessive moisture can lead to tuber rot. Amending the soil with organic matter, such as compost, improves fertility and drainage.
Planting should occur after the last spring frost, when soil temperatures have warmed. Dig a hole twice the tuber clump’s diameter and 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) deep. Position the tuber with the “eye” or growth point facing upwards, then cover it with soil, pressing lightly to remove air pockets. After planting, provide a thorough initial watering to settle the soil. If planting multiple tubers, space them 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart for adequate growth and air circulation.
Ongoing Care for ‘Jan Van Schaffelaar’
Consistent moisture is important for ‘Jan Van Schaffelaar’ dahlias throughout their active growing season. They prefer consistently moist soil, but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root issues. A deep watering once or twice a week is usually sufficient, increasing frequency during hot, dry weather. Mulching around the plants helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Regular fertilization supports abundant flowering. Apply a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season to encourage robust growth and continuous bloom production. As plants mature, provide support through staking to prevent stems from bending or breaking. Insert stakes when the plant is young to avoid damaging tubers. Removing spent blooms, known as deadheading, redirects the plant’s energy to new flowers, prolonging the blooming period. Maintaining good air circulation and monitoring plants regularly can help prevent issues like powdery mildew.
Winter Care and Tuber Storage
For gardeners in colder climates where the ground freezes, lifting and storing ‘Jan Van Schaffelaar’ dahlia tubers for winter is necessary to ensure their survival. Tubers are not winter-hardy and cannot tolerate freezing temperatures in the ground. The ideal time to lift them is after the first hard frost causes foliage to blacken, signaling the plant has sent energy back into the tubers. Cut stalks to 3-6 inches (7.6-15 cm) above ground before carefully digging up the tuber clump, avoiding damage to fragile necks.
After lifting, gently remove soil from the tubers; rinsing with water can help. Allow them to dry thoroughly for a few hours or a day in a covered, well-ventilated area. Proper drying helps prevent rot during storage. Store cleaned, dry tubers in a cool, dark, frost-free location between 40-50°F (4-10°C). Use materials like moistened sand, peat moss, vermiculite, sawdust, or dry compost, often in cardboard boxes or crates with good air circulation. Inspect regularly throughout winter to remove any rotting or desiccated tubers, ensuring healthy stock for the following spring.
Displaying ‘Jan Van Schaffelaar’ Blooms
The ‘Jan Van Schaffelaar’ dahlia, with its vibrant pink, globular blooms, is an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements. These blooms often last up to a week indoors when properly handled. To maximize their longevity, harvest blooms in the cool morning hours once they are about three-quarters open. Use sharp shears for a clean cut to prevent stem damage.
After cutting, a conditioning step can significantly extend vase life. Sear the stem ends by placing them in hot water (160-180°F) for about an hour; this helps stems absorb water more efficiently and prevents sap from blocking uptake. Incorporate ‘Jan Van Schaffelaar’ into garden design as a mass planting or interplanted with other perennials and grasses for a mixed border. Their compact size also makes them suitable for containers on patios or balconies.