The ‘Jowey Gipsy’ dahlia is a highly sought-after and beautiful variety, admired for its striking blooms and robust growth habit. This article provides guidance for cultivating this dahlia, covering its distinctive features, planting requirements, ongoing care, and winter storage.
Distinctive Features of Jowey Gipsy
The ‘Jowey Gipsy’ dahlia typically exhibits a ball or pompon bloom form, characterized by tightly packed, incurved petals. Its color palette is a rich blend of deep burgundy and plum tones, sometimes with subtle hints of orange or bronze.
These blooms measure between 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in diameter. The plant reaches a height of 3 to 4 feet (90 to 120 cm). Its strong, sturdy stems support heavy blooms, preventing drooping, making the ‘Jowey Gipsy’ an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements.
Planting Jowey Gipsy Dahlias
Plant ‘Jowey Gipsy’ dahlia tubers after the last anticipated frost in your region, when soil temperatures consistently reach 60°F (15°C) or higher. Dahlias thrive in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for healthy growth and abundant blooming.
Well-draining soil is important for dahlia cultivation, as tubers are susceptible to rot in waterlogged conditions. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to improve drainage and fertility. When planting, dig a hole 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) deep. Place the tuber horizontally with the “eye” or sprout facing upwards, then cover it gently with soil. Space individual tubers 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) apart to allow for mature plant size and air circulation.
Essential Care for Jowey Gipsy
Consistent, deep watering is important for ‘Jowey Gipsy’ dahlias throughout the growing season, especially during dry periods. Once established, water two to three times a week, ensuring the soil is moist to a depth of at least 6 inches (15 cm). Avoid overhead watering, which can promote fungal diseases; instead, deliver water directly to the root zone.
Fertilization supports vigorous growth and prolific flowering. Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10 or 10-20-20) every three to four weeks once plants begin active growth. This provides nutrients for bloom development without encouraging excessive leafy growth. Taller ‘Jowey Gipsy’ varieties benefit from staking to support against wind and heavy blooms. Install stakes early, near the planting site, to avoid damaging tubers.
Pinching the central stem when the plant reaches 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) tall encourages bushier growth and more blooms by promoting lateral branching. Deadheading, the removal of spent flowers, ensures continuous blooming by redirecting the plant’s energy from seed production into new flowers. Regularly inspect plants for common garden pests like aphids or spider mites, and address them.
Overwintering Jowey Gipsy Tubers
In regions with freezing winter temperatures, ‘Jowey Gipsy’ dahlia tubers require digging and storage for winter survival. The ideal time to excavate tubers is after the first hard frost blackens the foliage. Carefully lift the entire plant from the soil, mindful not to damage the delicate tubers.
Once lifted, gently remove excess soil from the tubers. Do not wash them, as this can introduce moisture that promotes rot during storage. Allow tubers to air dry in a cool, sheltered location for several days to cure; this process toughens their skin and helps prevent mold and disease.
Store cured tubers in a cool, dark, slightly humid environment, ideally between 40-50°F (4-10°C). Place them in a container (e.g., cardboard box, plastic bin) filled with a slightly damp medium like peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings. Ensure the medium is barely moist, not wet, to provide humidity without encouraging rot. Proper overwintering maintains tuber health and ensures a successful bloom season the following year.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Common issues with ‘Jowey Gipsy’ dahlias include a lack of blooms, often due to insufficient sunlight or excessive nitrogen fertilization. Ensure plants receive at least six to eight hours of direct sun and use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote flower development. Leggy growth, characterized by tall, spindly stems, indicates inadequate light or the need for pinching. Providing ample sunlight and pinching the central stem early encourages a bushier, more compact plant.
Pests such as aphids, spider mites, and slugs can affect dahlias. Aphids and spider mites are managed by spraying with insecticidal soap or a strong stream of water. Slugs and snails, which chew holes in leaves and blooms, are controlled with bait or by hand-picking them in the evening. Powdery mildew, a fungal disease, appears as white, powdery spots on leaves, especially in humid conditions or with poor air circulation. Improve air flow through proper spacing and avoid overhead watering to help prevent this issue.