Dahlia ‘Maaike’ is a favored choice among gardeners, celebrated for its consistent beauty and charming blooms. This guide provides detailed instructions for successfully growing and maintaining this delightful dahlia.
Distinctive Features of Dahlia Maaike
‘Dahlia Maaike’ is categorized as a miniature ball or pompon dahlia, known for its tightly formed, rounded blooms. The flowers typically display delicate pale pink hues, often exhibiting a soft, warm pink when they first open. As the season progresses, some blooms may mellow to a lighter pink with creamy centers, and occasionally feature darker pink freckles or speckles, adding to their unique charm.
The individual blooms generally measure around 2 inches (approximately 5 cm) in diameter. These plants develop into a bushy, clump-forming habit, reaching a height of about 3 to 4 feet (90-120 cm) with a spread of approximately 20 inches (50 cm). ‘Maaike’ is also recognized for its strong stems, making it an excellent selection for cut flower arrangements.
Planting Dahlia Maaike Tubers
Plant ‘Dahlia Maaike’ tubers outdoors after the last spring frost, when soil temperature consistently reaches about 60°F (15°C). A planting site receiving full sun (at least six to eight hours daily) is essential for robust growth and abundant flowering.
‘Dahlia Maaike’ thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Prepare the planting area by loosening the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches and amending it with compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility.
Dig a hole 3 to 6 inches deep and place the tuber horizontally with the “eye” facing upwards. Cover the tuber with a few inches of soil, ensuring 12 to 18 inches spacing between plants for proper air circulation and growth. Water the newly planted tuber once, then refrain from further watering until the first green sprouts emerge.
Ongoing Care for Dahlia Maaike
Once established, water ‘Dahlia Maaike’ deeply three to four times per week during dry spells, ensuring moisture reaches the tuber’s root system. Each session should last 60 minutes or more. Daily watering may be necessary in hot weather. Prevent waterlogging, as excessive moisture can lead to tuber rot.
To support continuous blooming, fertilize with a low-nitrogen formula (e.g., 5-10-10 or 10-20-20) to promote flower development over foliage growth. Apply fertilizer approximately 30 days after planting, then every three to four weeks for garden plants, or every two to three weeks for container plants, until September.
Due to its 3 to 4-foot height, ‘Dahlia Maaike’ typically requires staking to support its stems and heavy blooms, preventing them from falling over. Place stakes at planting time to avoid damaging tubers later. Regular deadheading is important for encouraging continuous flowering.
Deadheading involves removing spent blooms, which redirects the plant’s energy into producing new flowers. Use clean, sharp pruning tools and cut just above a leaf node where the flower stem meets a leaf. Monitor for common dahlia pests like slugs and aphids, and diseases such as powdery mildew, to maintain plant health.
Overwintering Dahlia Maaike Tubers
In regions with freezing winter temperatures, ‘Dahlia Maaike’ tubers must be lifted and stored indoors for survival. The ideal time to dig up tubers is after the first hard frost blackens the foliage. Allowing tubers to remain in the ground for one to two weeks after this frost, if no deep freeze is expected, can help toughen their skins for storage.
Carefully dig around the plant, avoiding damage to the tubers. After lifting, gently brush off excess soil from the clumps. Cure the tubers in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, at 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C) for several days.
Once cured, store tubers in a cool, dark, humid environment, ideally 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 10°C) with 75-85% relative humidity. Pack them in storage mediums like peat moss, vermiculite, wood shavings, or dry compost to maintain moisture and prevent shriveling. Periodically inspect stored tubers throughout winter, removing any showing signs of rot or mold to prevent spread.