Dahlia ‘Lucky Number’ is a captivating cultivar, admired for its impressive blooms and vibrant presence in the garden. Its striking aesthetic appeal makes it a desirable addition for enhancing outdoor spaces.
Meet Dahlia Lucky Number
‘Dahlia Lucky Number’ is a decorative dahlia, known for its full-bodied, double flowers. The blooms typically feature rich rosy-pink to purplish-pink petals. Some variations may present a bright yellow center when the flower fully opens.
These impressive flowers generally range from 8 to 10 inches (20-25 cm) in diameter. The plant itself grows to a substantial height, typically between 30 to 40 inches (75-100 cm). ‘Dahlia Lucky Number’ typically begins its flowering period in mid-summer and continues to produce abundant blooms until the first hard frost of autumn.
Planting and Growing Conditions
These dahlias thrive in locations that receive full sun exposure, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Adequate sunlight ensures robust growth and prolific flowering.
The ideal soil for ‘Dahlia Lucky Number’ is well-drained, fertile, and rich in organic matter. While they can tolerate a range of soil types, good drainage is important to prevent tuber rot. Tubers should be planted after the last danger of frost has passed in spring, typically 2 to 5 inches deep, with the “eye” facing upwards. Spacing tubers about 18 to 24 inches apart allows for adequate air circulation and growth.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Regular watering is important throughout the growing season to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to issues such as tuber rot.
A balanced fertilization approach involves applying a high-nitrogen liquid feed weekly in June for foliage development, followed by a high-potash fertilizer weekly from July to September to encourage bloom production. Deadheading spent blooms redirects energy to new flowers, extending the blooming period. Due to their height and large blooms, ‘Dahlia Lucky Number’ plants benefit from staking to prevent stems from bending or breaking. Maintaining good garden hygiene and adequate spacing helps deter common pests and diseases.
Winter Tuber Storage
In regions with cold winters, ‘Dahlia Lucky Number’ tubers must be lifted from the ground. The optimal time is after the first hard frost blackens the foliage, but before the ground freezes solid. Carefully lift the tubers, taking care not to damage them.
Once lifted, gently remove excess soil and allow them to dry naturally indoors for a few days. Store the dried tubers in a cool, dry, and frost-free location, ideally between 40-50°F (5-10°C). Use materials like peat moss, vermiculite, or sawdust in breathable containers such as cardboard boxes or mesh bags. Periodically check tubers for rot or shriveling, removing affected ones promptly.
Common Growing Challenges
A lack of blooms can result from excessive nitrogen fertilization or insufficient sunlight. Ensure full sun and adjust fertilizer ratios.
Pests like aphids, slugs, and spider mites can affect dahlias. Manage aphids with insecticidal soap, slugs with manual removal or bait, and spider mites with consistent humidity or miticides. Powdery mildew, a white coating on leaves, can be addressed with proper air circulation and fungicides. Wilting from heat or improper watering requires consistent moisture and, if possible, afternoon shade.