Dahlia ‘Jaunita’ is a popular and visually striking cultivar, captivating gardeners with its distinctive charm. This dahlia variety is celebrated for its beautiful and abundant blooms, bringing vibrant color to garden spaces. Originally bred in South Africa and named to evoke the spirit of a flamenco dancer, ‘Jaunita’ has achieved widespread popularity across many continents, making it a favored choice among enthusiasts.
Understanding Dahlia ‘Jaunita’
Dahlia ‘Jaunita’ features large, jewel-toned flowers, typically measuring about 6 inches across. These blooms are classified as cactus dahlias, characterized by their narrow, curving petals that roll fully, creating a spiky and dramatic appearance. The petals display a rich palette of deep, vibrant burgundy and ruby, often complemented by vivid hot pink undersides, which adds a striking contrast. The plants generally reach a height of 3 to 4 feet, with a spread of 18 to 30 inches.
Planting and Site Selection
Proper planting and site preparation are key for Dahlia ‘Jaunita’. Tubers should be planted outdoors after all danger of frost has passed in your region, typically when the soil temperature consistently reaches around 60°F. Select a location that receives full sun, ideally at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily, to ensure robust growth and prolific blooming. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter; amending heavy clay soils with compost, peat moss, or sand can improve drainage and texture.
When planting, place the tuber 3 to 4 inches deep, ensuring the ‘eye’ or growth point faces upwards. For larger varieties or in sandy soil, a depth of 6 to 7 inches may be beneficial. Space individual tubers 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation and growth. For these tall dahlia varieties, it is advisable to insert support stakes at the time of planting to avoid damaging the tubers later.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Once planted, ‘Jaunita’ dahlias require consistent care to thrive throughout the growing season. New tubers should not be watered immediately after planting; wait until sprouts emerge to prevent rot. After the plants are established and reach about 8 to 12 inches in height, begin a regular watering schedule, providing about 1 to 2 inches of water weekly through deep watering. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to tuber rot.
Dahlias benefit from regular fertilization. Once the plants are approximately 24 inches tall, apply a low-nitrogen, balanced fertilizer, such as a 4-6-4 blend, once a month until early fall. As the plants grow, tie stems to the pre-installed stakes every 12 to 18 inches to support the heavy blooms and prevent breakage. Regularly remove spent flowers by snipping them above the nearest healthy leaves or buds; this practice, known as deadheading, encourages more blooms and extends the flowering season.
Overwintering and Storage
In colder climates where winter temperatures fall below freezing, Dahlia ‘Jaunita’ tubers are not hardy and must be dug up for overwintering. This should occur after the first killing frost blackens the foliage, but before a deep freeze sets in. After digging, gently brush off excess soil from the tubers and cure them for one to two weeks in a cool, dry location away from direct sun.
Store the cured tubers in a cool, dark, and slightly humid environment, ideally between 40°F and 50°F, to prevent shriveling or rot. Place them in a medium such as peat moss, vermiculite, or sand within mesh bags, cardboard boxes, or plastic storage tubs that allow for some air circulation. Label each tuber or clump with its variety name before storage. Check the stored tubers monthly, removing any that show signs of rot and lightly moistening them if they appear to be drying out.