Dahlia ‘Moonfire’ is a sought-after ornamental flower, admired for its vibrant blooms and manageable care requirements. Its striking colors, suitable size, and straightforward growth habit make it a popular choice for both home gardeners and professional floral designers.
Key Characteristics of Dahlia ‘Moonfire’
Dahlia ‘Moonfire’ is classified as a single dahlia. Its flowers feature golden-yellow petals, often with a blush of orange-red at their tips or centers, creating a fiery effect. A prominent dark red or chocolate disc at the center of the bloom, accented by golden stamens, provides strong visual contrast. These medium-sized blooms measure 3 to 4 inches (7-10 cm) in diameter.
The plant’s foliage is a distinct dark bronze, dark purple-green, or nearly black, which beautifully offsets the bright, warm tones of the flowers. ‘Moonfire’ reaches a mature height of 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) and spreads approximately 1 to 2 feet (30-60 cm), maintaining a bushy, upright, and compact growth habit. Blooming consistently from mid-summer until the first hard frost, it provides extended color in the garden.
Cultivation and Care
Site Selection
Dahlia ‘Moonfire’ thrives in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for vigorous growth and abundant flowering. In regions with intense summer heat, morning sun with afternoon shade prevents scorching.
It prefers well-drained, fertile, loose soil rich in organic matter. For heavy clay, incorporate compost or peat moss to improve drainage and structure, as dahlias are susceptible to root rot. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is also beneficial.
Planting
Plant Dahlia ‘Moonfire’ tubers in spring after frost danger has passed and soil warms to at least 60°F (15°C). For an earlier start, pot tubers indoors four to six weeks before the last frost. Dig a hole 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) deep and position the tuber with the “eye” facing upwards.
Space tubers 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm) apart for air circulation and growth. After planting, water thoroughly to settle the soil.
Watering
Water Dahlia ‘Moonfire’ deeply one to two times per week during its growing season, adjusting for weather conditions. During drought or extreme heat, more frequent watering may be necessary.
Avoid overwatering, as waterlogged conditions lead to root rot. Minimize overhead watering to reduce fungal diseases; instead, focus water directly at the base of the plant.
Fertilizing
Dahlia ‘Moonfire’ benefits from fertilization to support robust growth and prolific blooming. It responds well to low-nitrogen fertilizers, such as 5-10-10 or 10-20-20, as excessive nitrogen promotes foliage over flowers.
Apply a dilute liquid fertilizer every 10 to 15 days from the seedling stage. Use a nitrogen-dominant feed early on, transitioning to a fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium once flower buds emerge. Cease fertilization once flower buds show color.
Staking
Staking is beneficial for Dahlia ‘Moonfire’ due to its mature height of up to 3 feet and abundant blooms. Staking provides support, preventing stems from bending or breaking under flower weight, strong winds, or heavy rainfall.
Insert a sturdy stake, such as a bamboo cane or metal rod, at planting. As the plant grows, gently tie stems to the stake every 12 to 18 inches using soft twine or plant ties.
Deadheading
Regular deadheading is an effective practice for maintaining the vigor and continuous blooming of Dahlia ‘Moonfire’. Remove spent or fading flowers by snipping them off. This redirects the plant’s energy from seed production towards developing new flowers.
Consistent deadheading encourages more buds and extends the flowering season until the first hard frost. It also helps maintain the plant’s tidy appearance and prevents the spread of potential diseases from decaying plant material.
Winter Dormancy and Storage
For gardeners in colder climates, preparing Dahlia ‘Moonfire’ for winter dormancy ensures tubers survive. While hardy in USDA zones 8-11, tubers in zones 7 and below must be lifted and stored after the first hard frost blackens foliage.
Carefully dig up tubers, clean excess soil, and dry indoors for a few days to a week. Store them in a cool, dark, frost-free location (40-50°F / 4-10°C) in a medium like slightly moist peat moss, sand, or vermiculite. This keeps tubers dormant and prevents shriveling or rotting until spring replanting.
Troubleshooting and Common Issues
Dahlia ‘Moonfire’ can encounter common garden issues. Pests like aphids, slugs, earwigs, and caterpillars can affect plants. Caterpillars chew leaves and petals; severe infestations may require targeted treatments. Aphids are a concern as they transmit viral diseases.
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew appear as white growth on leaves and stems, especially in warm, humid conditions. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering help mitigate this. Root rot, caused by poor drainage or overwatering, is prevented by amending heavy soils and monitoring moisture. Viral infections like mosaic virus cause distorted foliage and stunted growth. There is no cure, so managing insect vectors and propagating from healthy stock are important preventative measures.