The ‘Dahlia Pink Silk’ is a captivating flower that adds elegance to any garden. Its pastel pink hues create a sense of serenity and grace.
Distinctive Characteristics
The ‘Dahlia Pink Silk’ is characterized by its exquisite blush pink petals, which often display subtle lilac tones on their reverse. These petals form a small formal decorative bloom, typically measuring around 4 inches (10-11 cm) in diameter. As the bloom matures, its color can subtly shift, appearing almost white in bright summer sun and revealing a more gentle pink tone as the light dims.
Growing to about 3 feet (90 cm), this dahlia is suitable for containers and borders. It blooms abundantly from mid-summer until the first frost, providing a long season of interest, and its long, strong stems make the flowers valued for arrangements.
Planting and Growing
For successful cultivation, choose a site with full sun (at least 6 to 8 hours daily) and well-drained, rich, organic soil, essential as dahlias are prone to rot in overly wet conditions.
Before planting, loosen soil to 12 inches (30 cm) and incorporate compost and an all-purpose granular fertilizer. Plant ‘Dahlia Pink Silk’ tubers after the last spring frost, when soil temperature consistently warms to at least 60°F (15°C). Position tubers 3-6 inches below the surface, ensuring the “eye” or sprout faces upwards. Space individual tubers 12-18 inches apart for adequate air circulation and growth.
Ongoing Care
Consistent care ensures healthy plants and continuous blooms. After initial planting, water tubers once, then refrain until green sprouts emerge. Once established, dahlias require deep watering one to three times weekly, ensuring water penetrates 8-10 inches. Avoid wetting foliage to reduce disease risk.
Dahlias are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization. Begin fertilizing approximately 30 days after planting with a low-nitrogen fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium. Examples of suitable NPK ratios include 5-10-10 or 6-24-24. Apply fertilizer every 3-4 weeks for in-ground plants and every 2-3 weeks for container-grown dahlias.
Staking is recommended for ‘Pink Silk’ dahlias to prevent stems from breaking in wind or rain. Install stakes at planting time to avoid damaging the tubers later.
Regular deadheading (removing spent blooms) encourages more flowers. Trim spent blooms just above a leaf node. Dahlias can be susceptible to pests like slugs and earwigs, especially young seedlings; monitor and take preventative measures.
Winter Care and Tuber Storage
In colder climates where the ground freezes, ‘Dahlia Pink Silk’ tubers must be lifted and stored indoors for winter. Wait until after the first hard frost has blackened the foliage, as this allows the tubers to mature fully. Carefully cut stems back to 2-4 inches above ground before gently digging up tuber clumps, taking care not to damage them.
After digging, allow tubers to dry for a few days in a cool, frost-free location out of direct sunlight. Once dried, remove excess soil and store clumps in a ventilated container like a cardboard box or basket. Ideal storage mediums include peat moss, clean wood shavings, or vermiculite to regulate humidity and prevent desiccation or rot.
The storage area should maintain a cool, dark, and dry environment with temperatures between 40-50°F (4-10°C) and humidity around 75-85%. Regularly check stored tubers throughout the winter for any signs of rot or shriveling, adjusting conditions if necessary.