Dahlia Karma Naomi is a striking and popular choice among garden enthusiasts, celebrated for its captivating blooms. Its vibrant presence brings a dramatic flair to garden beds and is valued for floral arrangements.
Unveiling Dahlia Karma Naomi
Dahlia Karma Naomi is a decorative dahlia cultivar, known for its fully double blooms measuring 5.5 to 6 inches in diameter. These flowers present a rich color palette, ranging from dark scarlet-red to deep crimson-red, often with a subtle shift to darker, almost smoky-black tones towards their centers. The petals are rounded and gently incurved, gradually flattening as the bloom fully opens, creating a lush, rounded appearance without a central disc.
The plant exhibits an upright, vigorous growth habit, reaching a height of 36 inches to 4 feet with a spread of 18 to 24 inches. Dark green, pinnate leaves with ovate leaflets contrast with the vibrant blooms, held aloft on sturdy, dark-colored stems. This variety blooms profusely from midsummer (July) until the first hard frost, extending into October or November. Karma Naomi was bred for the cut flower market, boasting strong stems and a vase life of 7 to 12 days.
Planting Karma Naomi Dahlias
Planting Dahlia Karma Naomi requires selecting an appropriate site and preparing the soil. These dahlias thrive in locations receiving at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily, with morning sun being beneficial. Well-draining soil is crucial, as tubers are prone to rot in overly wet conditions.
Planting should occur in late spring, after all danger of frost has passed and when the soil temperature reaches 60°F (15°C). A good indicator for planting time is when tomatoes are planted in your region. To prepare the soil, loosen it to a depth of at least 12 inches, removing any debris. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter like aged manure, compost, or peat moss to improve drainage and aeration. Dig a hole 4 to 8 inches deep and place the tuber horizontally with the “eye,” or growing point, facing upwards.
Cover the tuber with 2 to 3 inches of soil initially, gradually adding more as the plant grows and the stem emerges. Proper spacing is important for mature plant size and air circulation; space Karma Naomi tubers 18 to 24 inches apart. Do not water immediately after planting unless the soil is very dry, as too much moisture before sprouts appear can lead to tuber rot.
Caring for Karma Naomi Dahlias
Consistent care ensures a healthy and abundant display of Dahlia Karma Naomi throughout the growing season. Once established, plants require regular, deep watering, two to three times a week, especially during hot, dry periods. Deep watering ensures moisture reaches the tuber’s roots (8 inches down) and avoids wetting foliage, which prevents disease. Applying mulch conserves soil moisture and regulates soil temperature.
Fertilization is important for dahlia care. Dahlias benefit from a low-nitrogen fertilizer, higher in potassium and phosphorus (e.g., 5-10-10 or 10-20-20 ratio). Apply this fertilizer 30 days after planting, then every three to four weeks throughout the growing season to support continuous blooming. As Karma Naomi dahlias grow tall, providing support through staking at planting time prevents stems from breaking under the weight of their large blooms.
Pinching the central stem when the plant reaches 12 to 16 inches tall, or has three to five sets of leaves, encourages branching, resulting in a bushier form and more flowers. Regularly removing spent blooms (deadheading) redirects the plant’s energy from seed production into new flowers, extending the blooming period. Vigilance for common pests like aphids, spider mites, and slugs, as well as diseases such as powdery mildew, maintains plant health.
Overwintering Karma Naomi Dahlias
In colder climates where the ground freezes, Dahlia Karma Naomi tubers must be lifted and stored indoors to survive winter. This process begins after the first hard frost, which prompts the plant to send energy back into the tubers for dormancy. Wait one to two weeks after the foliage has died back and turned black or brown before digging, allowing the tubers to cure slightly in the ground.
To dig the tubers, cut stems back to 4 to 6 inches above the ground, leaving a short handle. Using a garden fork, carefully dig 6 to 12 inches away from the stem to avoid damaging the tubers, then lift the entire clump from the soil. After digging, shake off any excess soil.
Allow the tubers to dry for a few days in a cool, well-ventilated area before storing them. Store them in a cool, dark, and frost-free location where temperatures remain between 40-50°F (4-10°C). Pack the dried tubers in a breathable medium such as peat moss, vermiculite, or sawdust. Periodically check the stored tubers throughout winter for any signs of rot or shriveling.