Dahlia ‘Kasasagi’ is a captivating flower that brings striking color and form to any garden. Its unique appearance and consistent blooming make it a popular choice for gardeners seeking a vibrant touch.
Understanding Dahlia Kasasagi
Dahlia ‘Kasasagi’ is recognized for its distinctive pompon-shaped blooms, which are intricate and visually engaging. The flowers, typically 1.5 to 2 inches, display a vibrant blend of deep golden yellow at the center, transitioning to rich red or coral-orange on the outer petals. This color intensifies as the bloom matures, creating a striking contrast.
The plant generally reaches 3 to 4 feet, forming a clump-forming perennial with dark green, serrated leaves. ‘Kasasagi’ dahlias are known for prolific flowering from mid-summer until the first frost. This continuous display makes them suitable for garden beds and as cut flowers.
Planting and Growing Kasasagi Dahlias
Growing ‘Dahlia Kasasagi’ begins with careful site selection and soil preparation. These plants flourish in locations that receive full sun, ideally at least eight hours of direct sunlight daily. They also benefit from sheltered positions, as strong winds can damage their stems.
Dahlias prefer light, fertile, and well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. If your soil is heavy clay, amending it with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure improves drainage and aeration. Loosening the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches ensures tubers have space to expand.
Plant ‘Dahlia Kasasagi’ tubers outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature reaches 60°F (15°C), often coinciding with tomato planting time. Dig a hole 4 to 6 inches deep, placing the tuber horizontally with any visible “eye” or sprout pointing upwards. Space individual tubers 18 to 24 inches apart for mature plant size. Cover the tuber with 2 to 3 inches of soil initially, gradually adding more soil as shoots emerge until the hole is filled to ground level.
Ongoing Care for Kasasagi Dahlias
Consistent watering is important for ‘Dahlia Kasasagi’ during dry periods. After planting, avoid watering tubers until green shoots appear, as too much moisture can lead to rot. Once sprouts emerge, dahlias require deep watering, about 1 to 2 inches per week, ensuring water penetrates 8 to 10 inches deep to reach the tuber’s roots. In hot, dry weather, you may need to increase watering frequency to maintain adequate soil moisture.
For optimal growth and blooms, ‘Dahlia Kasasagi’ benefits from regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer or one low in nitrogen, such as a rose, tomato, or general garden fertilizer, to avoid excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Apply fertilizer lightly monthly until early fall.
Due to their height and prolific blooms, ‘Dahlia Kasasagi’ plants require support to prevent stems from breaking. Install sturdy stakes (e.g., metal rods or bamboo) at planting time to avoid damaging tubers later. As the plant grows, gently tie the main stems to the stake every 12 to 18 inches using soft garden twine or ties, ensuring ties are loose enough for stem expansion.
Deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowers throughout the season by redirecting the plant’s energy into new bud formation. Pinching the center shoot after three sets of leaves promotes a bushier plant with more flowering stems.
Monitor for common pests and diseases to maintain plant health. Pests like slugs, snails, aphids, spider mites, and thrips can damage plants. Powdery mildew, a common fungal issue, appears as a white coating on leaves, especially in humid conditions. Manage these issues with organic solutions like insecticidal soaps for pests or by ensuring good air circulation for mildew.
Winter Dormancy and Tuber Storage
In cold winter regions (USDA Zones 3-7), ‘Dahlia Kasasagi’ tubers must be lifted and stored indoors for dormancy. After the first hard frost blackens foliage, signaling dormancy, wait a week or two before lifting tubers. Carefully dig up clumps, starting a foot away from stems to avoid damage.
After digging, gently remove excess soil and allow tubers to dry upside down in a cool, dry place for a day or two. This curing toughens the skin and prevents rot.
Once cured, store tubers in a cool, dark, frost-free location (40-45°F / 4-7°C) with 75-85% humidity. Pack tubers in crates or bins using peat moss, coarse vermiculite, or wood shavings, ensuring they do not touch. Periodically check stored tubers for shriveling or rot, adjusting humidity by misting if too dry or providing more ventilation if too damp.