Dahlias are popular garden additions, celebrated for their diverse forms and vibrant colors. The ‘Jowey Nicky’ dahlia is a highly sought-after variety. Its consistent beauty and abundant blooms make it a favored choice for enhancing outdoor spaces.
Understanding Jowey Nicky Dahlias
The ‘Jowey Nicky’ dahlia is known for its distinct ball-shaped blooms, which can sometimes loosen into a more informal decorative form as they fully open. These flowers typically measure between 2 to 4 inches in diameter, presenting a compact and symmetrical appearance. The color palette of ‘Jowey Nicky’ is a blend of soft melon, peach, and pink tones, often with warm golden centers and pale pink outer petals, giving it an almost ombre effect.
This dahlia produces abundant flowers from mid-summer until the first frost, providing continuous blooms. Its tidy form and appealing colors make it a popular choice for garden displays. ‘Jowey Nicky’ is also a favorite among floral designers for its consistent bloom quality and suitability for cut flower arrangements, offering a vase life of about 5 days when properly harvested.
Growing Jowey Nicky Dahlias
Plant tubers in late spring, after the last frost and when soil temperatures reach at least 60°F (15°C). Select a planting site that receives full sun, ideally at least six hours daily, as this encourages abundant blooming. In regions with intense summer heat, some afternoon shade can be beneficial.
The soil should be well-draining, fertile, and slightly acidic (pH 6.0-7.0). Amend the planting bed with compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility. Plant tubers horizontally, 4 to 6 inches deep and 6 inches wide, ensuring the “crown” or growing eye faces upwards just beneath the surface. Space tubers 12 to 18 inches apart for adequate growth and air circulation.
Water minimally after planting until shoots emerge, as tubers contain enough moisture. Once plants grow, consistent deep watering is important, especially during dry periods (one to two times per week). Avoid overwatering to prevent tuber rot. Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a low-nitrogen, balanced fertilizer to support strong growth and flowering.
‘Jowey Nicky’ dahlias can grow 36-42 inches tall, so support is often necessary to prevent stems from breaking, especially when heavy with blooms or during windy conditions. Stake plants when they reach 1 to 2 feet. Pinch the main stem when the plant is about 12 inches tall to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Regular deadheading, removing spent flowers, also promotes continuous flowering.
Winter Care for Jowey Nicky Dahlias
In regions with winter temperatures below freezing (USDA Hardiness Zones 7 and colder), ‘Jowey Nicky’ dahlia tubers need to be dug up and stored indoors. This process begins after the first hard frost causes foliage to blacken and the plant to go dormant. Allow a light frost, then cut stems back to 3-6 inches above ground.
After about a week to ten days following the initial cutback, carefully dig up the tubers, being cautious not to damage them as they are brittle. Gently remove most of the soil. The tubers then need to be cured, which involves allowing them to dry for a few days to a couple of weeks in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area, often by hanging them upside down. This curing process helps to toughen the skin and prevent rot during storage.
Once cured, store the cleaned tubers in a cool, dark, and frost-free location where temperatures remain consistently between 40-50°F (4-10°C). A basement or garage is often suitable. Pack the tubers in a breathable medium such as peat moss, vermiculite, or dry wood shavings, ensuring they are not touching each other to prevent the spread of rot. Periodically check the stored tubers for any signs of rot or excessive dehydration; if they appear too dry, a light misting can help, while excess moisture indicates a need for more ventilation.
Addressing Common Challenges
Gardeners may encounter common issues with ‘Jowey Nicky’ dahlias. Pests like slugs and snails can be problematic for young shoots, feeding on tender foliage. Earwigs and spider mites are also common; manage slugs and snails by keeping the area tidy and using barriers or organic repellents. Spider mites, which thrive in hot, dry conditions, can be addressed with insecticidal soaps or by increasing humidity. Aphids and thrips are sap-sucking insects that can cause leaf discoloration, distortion, and may transmit viruses.
Dahlias can also be susceptible to certain diseases. Powdery mildew, characterized by a white powdery film on leaves, often appears in humid conditions and can be mitigated by improving air circulation around plants and avoiding overhead watering late in the day. Botrytis, or grey mold, can affect buds and stems, particularly in cloudy, wet weather, requiring removal of affected plant parts. Viral diseases, such as dahlia mosaic virus, can cause yellowing or distorted leaves and stunted growth; infected plants should be removed to prevent spread.
Beyond pests and diseases, other issues can arise. A lack of blooms might indicate insufficient sunlight or too much nitrogen in the soil, which promotes foliage growth over flowers. Stunted growth or wilting can be signs of either under or overwatering, or poor soil drainage, necessitating adjustments to the watering schedule and ensuring good drainage. Consistent monitoring and appropriate cultural practices can help maintain healthy ‘Jowey Nicky’ dahlias.