Dahlia ‘Nick Sr’ is a highly regarded variety, celebrated for its impressive presence and striking blooms. It offers a unique aesthetic that enhances garden spaces, making it a favored choice for those seeking a vibrant focal point in their landscape.
Distinctive Features of Dahlia ‘Nick Sr’
Dahlia ‘Nick Sr’ captivates with vibrant red petals, often featuring creamy yellow or ivory gold undersides. These petals are characteristically ruffled, creating a dynamic, visually rich bloom, contributing significantly to its showy appeal in any garden setting.
This variety is classified as a “dinnerplate dahlia” due to its exceptionally large bloom size. Individual flowers typically span between 10 to 13 inches across. The plant itself is substantial, generally reaching a height of 3 to 6 feet, with a spread of 1.5 to 5 feet. Its informal decorative (ID) classification describes its loosely arranged, often wavy petals.
Planting and Site Selection for ‘Nick Sr’
Selecting the appropriate location is fundamental for the successful growth of Dahlia ‘Nick Sr’. These dahlias thrive in areas that receive full sunlight, ideally six to eight hours of direct sun each day. Providing some protection from strong winds can also be beneficial, helping to safeguard the large blooms and tall stems. Good air circulation around the plants is also important to maintain overall plant health.
Proper soil preparation creates the best environment for ‘Nick Sr’ dahlias to flourish. They prefer rich, well-draining, loamy soil that contains ample organic matter. The ideal soil pH for dahlias ranges from 6.0 to 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. For heavy clay soils, incorporating aged manure, compost, peat moss, or sand can significantly improve drainage and aeration, loosening the soil to a depth of 10 to 12 inches.
Planting ‘Nick Sr’ tubers should occur after the last spring frost, once the soil temperature has reached about 60°F (15°C). Tubers are typically planted 4 to 6 inches deep, with the “eye” or growing point facing upwards. Given their substantial mature size, space individual tubers 18 to 24 inches apart, or even up to 3 feet for larger varieties, to ensure adequate room for growth and air circulation. After planting, avoid watering the tubers immediately unless the soil is exceptionally dry; excessive moisture before sprouts emerge can lead to tuber rot.
Ongoing Care for ‘Nick Sr’ Dahlias
Once Dahlia ‘Nick Sr’ plants are established, consistent watering becomes a regular part of their care. They require one to two inches of water per week, with frequency increasing to daily during hot, dry periods. Deep watering at the soil level, rather than overhead, encourages robust root development and helps prevent foliage diseases. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are effective methods for delivering water directly to the root zone. Overwatering can lead to yellowing or browning leaves and wilting, while underwatering may cause the plant to appear droopy.
Fertilizing ‘Nick Sr’ dahlias supports their vigorous growth and prolific flowering. It is best to use a low-nitrogen fertilizer, higher in phosphorus and potassium. Examples of suitable NPK ratios include 5-10-10 or 10-20-20. The initial application can be made about 30 days after planting, with subsequent applications every three to four weeks for in-ground plants, or every two to three weeks for those in containers. Organic options such as processed manure, kelp meal, or bone meal also provide beneficial nutrients.
Staking is an important practice for ‘Nick Sr’ dahlias due to their considerable height and large blooms, which can become top-heavy. Without adequate support, the stems may bend or break, especially in strong winds or heavy rain. Sturdy garden stakes, approximately 5 to 6 feet tall, should be placed at the time of planting to avoid damaging the tubers later. As the plant grows, gently tie the stems to the stakes using soft twine or plant ties.
Regular deadheading, the removal of spent blooms, is essential for encouraging continuous flowering throughout the season. This process redirects the plant’s energy from seed production toward developing more flowers. To deadhead, identify faded or wilting flowers, which typically have a more pointed and softer feel compared to new, rounder buds. Cut the stem down to the nearest set of leaves, which promotes new growth and maintains a tidy appearance.
Overwintering ‘Nick Sr’ tubers is necessary in colder climates, specifically USDA Zones 3-7, where freezing temperatures occur. After the first autumn frost blackens the foliage, wait about 10 days before carefully digging up the tubers. Cut the stalks back to a few inches, gently shake off excess soil, and allow the tubers to dry or “cure” for several days to weeks in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Store the dried tubers in a dark, frost-free location with temperatures between 40-50°F, nestled in materials like peat moss, dry sand, or vermiculite, within paper bags or cardboard boxes that allow for some air circulation. Periodically check the stored tubers for any signs of rot and remove affected ones to prevent spread.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Dahlia ‘Nick Sr’ can encounter various pests during its growing season. Slugs and snails are particularly problematic early on when foliage is tender, and they can be managed by keeping the soil surface dry or using organic repellents. Aphids, tiny sucking insects, can cause leaf discoloration and distortion; insecticidal soaps and consistent watering can help control their populations. Spider mites, which thrive in hot, dry conditions, lead to yellowed and mottled leaves, and can also be treated with insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils. Earwigs and thrips are other common pests that may affect dahlias.
Several diseases can also impact ‘Nick Sr’ dahlias. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems, often favored by cloudy, wet weather. Applying fungicides and ensuring good air circulation can help prevent and treat this issue. Botrytis, or gray mold, causes dark, fuzzy mold on buds and rotting spots on flowers and leaves, necessitating the prompt removal of infected plant parts. Viral diseases, such as Dahlia Mosaic Virus, can result in leaf mottling, distortion, or yellow veining; infected plants should be removed from the garden to prevent further spread.
Environmental factors can also cause stress for dahlias. A lack of blooms may indicate an imbalance in nutrients, often too much nitrogen, which promotes lush foliage at the expense of flowers. Stunted growth or leaf discoloration can stem from improper watering, where both overwatering and underwatering can lead to issues like wilting or root rot. During periods of intense heat, especially above 90°F, large-flowered dahlias like ‘Nick Sr’ can experience wilting or reduced blooming, benefiting from some midday shade.