Dahlia ‘Pacific Time’ is a captivating choice for gardeners looking to add vibrant color to their landscapes. Its striking appearance and vigorous growth make it a popular addition to garden beds and containers. This dahlia variety provides a dynamic display throughout the growing season, offering distinctive blooms and a wealth of cut flowers.
Discovering Dahlia ‘Pacific Time’
Dahlia ‘Pacific Time’ is a decorative dahlia, known for its fully double blooms with broad, flat petals. These flowers showcase a unique blend of red and white, where each individual bloom presents a different pattern. Some flowers may appear predominantly red, while others display more white with intricate red edges or stripes, creating a varied and captivating display.
The blooms measure around 3.5 inches across. The plant reaches a mature height ranging from 28 to 48 inches, making it a prominent feature in garden designs. ‘Pacific Time’ offers a long blooming season, producing flowers from midsummer until the first hard frost in autumn.
Planting and Growing Dahlia ‘Pacific Time’
For ‘Dahlia Pacific Time’ to flourish, select a planting location with full sun exposure, at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Morning sun is beneficial as it helps dry dew from the foliage, deterring fungal issues. Good air circulation around the plants also promotes overall health.
‘Pacific Time’ dahlias prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Amending heavy clay soils with compost or peat moss improves drainage and provides essential nutrients. Plant in spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Tubers should be planted with the ‘eye’ facing upwards, approximately 4-6 inches deep and spaced about 18-24 inches apart.
Ongoing Care for Thriving Blooms
Consistent watering supports healthy growth and abundant flowering for ‘Dahlia Pacific Time’. During dry periods, especially as plants mature and begin to bloom, deep watering is more effective than frequent shallow applications. Maintaining evenly moist soil, without waterlogging, benefits tuber development and continuous flower production. Fertilization also promotes vigorous plants and prolific blooms.
Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer every few weeks once plants are established to encourage flowering rather than excessive foliage growth. As plants gain height and produce numerous blooms, staking is necessary to prevent stems from bending or breaking under the weight of the flowers. Regularly removing spent flowers, known as deadheading, redirects the plant’s energy into producing new buds, extending the bloom season. Vigilance for common garden pests, such as aphids, helps maintain plant vigor throughout the season.
Overwintering Dahlia Tubers
In regions with cold winters (USDA Zones 3-7), ‘Dahlia Pacific Time’ tubers are not hardy and must be lifted from the ground before the first hard frost. Carefully dig around the plant to avoid damaging the tubers. Once unearthed, gently shake off excess soil and allow the tubers to air dry for a few days in a cool, sheltered location. This drying period hardens the skin, reducing the risk of rot during storage.
After drying, store tubers in a cool, dark, and frost-free environment, between 40-50°F (4-10°C). Place them in breathable containers, such as cardboard boxes or mesh bags, and cover with a storage medium like peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings to maintain consistent humidity. Before replanting in spring, inspect tubers for any signs of rot or damage, ensuring only healthy tubers are used for the next growing season.