Dahlia ‘Maxime’ is a striking cultivar, admired for its vibrant blooms. It is a popular choice for focal points and cut flower arrangements, offering robust nature and abundant flowering.
Understanding Dahlia Maxime
Dahlia ‘Maxime’ features showy orange-red petals distinctly edged with thin, pale primrose yellow markings. These unique color combinations highlight the perfect form of its blooms. The fully double flowers are medium-sized, typically 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) wide.
This variety belongs to the Decorative Dahlias, known for their broad, flat-tipped petals. ‘Maxime’ grows tall, reaching up to 4 feet (120 cm), with dark green foliage contrasting its bright flowers. It blooms from July until the first frost, making it a favored choice for garden displays and cut flowers.
Growing Dahlia Maxime
Successful cultivation begins with an optimal planting site. Dahlias thrive in full sun (6-8 hours daily) for robust growth and prolific blooming. Light shade can be beneficial in intense summer heat. Shelter from strong winds is advisable due to their tall stems and large blooms.
Dahlias prefer fertile, well-draining soil (pH 6.0-7.5). Good drainage prevents tuber rot; amend heavy clay soils with organic matter like compost or aged manure to improve aeration and drainage.
Plant tubers in spring after frost danger passes and soil warms to 60°F (16°C). Plant them 4 to 6 inches deep, ‘eye’ facing upwards, and space 18 to 24 inches apart.
Avoid watering immediately after planting to prevent tuber rot; wait until shoots emerge. Once established, dahlias require consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, needing deep watering once or twice a week.
During the active growing season, dahlias benefit from regular feeding. Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10) every 3 to 4 weeks. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leafy growth over flowers. Taller varieties require staking to support heavy blooms and prevent stems from breaking.
Ongoing Care and Overwintering
Consistent maintenance ensures continuous flowering. Deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowers. Regular cutting for arrangements also promotes additional bud growth. Pinching back the central stem at about 12 inches tall encourages bushier growth and more blooms.
Dahlias can be susceptible to pests and diseases. Aphids and spider mites are common; aphids cause yellowing on new growth, while spider mites cause leaf stippling in dry conditions. Manage populations with beneficial insects, insecticidal soaps, or neem oil. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering prevent fungal issues like powdery mildew.
In cold winter regions (USDA zones 3-7), Dahlia ‘Maxime’ tubers are not hardy and must be lifted and stored. After the first frost, cut stems back to 2 to 4 inches. Carefully dig around the tubers with a garden fork, then gently lift the clump.
Rinse off excess soil and allow tubers to dry for several days to a week in a cool, dry place with good air circulation to cure them. Store cured tubers in a cool, dark, frost-free location (40-50°F / 4-10°C) with 75-85% humidity.
Place them in open boxes or crates, covered with moistened sand, peat moss, or vermiculite, to maintain conditions and prevent drying or rotting. Periodically check stored tubers for rot or shriveling; discard mushy ones, and lightly mist shriveled ones with water.
Common Issues and Solutions
Gardeners may encounter challenges related to environmental factors or care. If plants fail to bloom, insufficient sunlight (less than six hours daily) is a frequent cause. Over-fertilization, especially with high-nitrogen formulas, can also lead to abundant foliage but few flowers. Adjusting fertilization to a lower nitrogen, higher phosphorus and potassium blend encourages blooming.
Foliage discoloration, like yellowing leaves, can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies. Waterlogged soil causes tuber rot and yellow, droopy leaves, while consistent moisture is necessary. Brown or crisp leaf edges may signal underwatering, especially in hot conditions. Leggy growth, with long, sparse stems, often results from insufficient light.