Dahlia ‘Que Sera’ is a popular and unique choice for garden enthusiasts, known for its striking beauty and ease of cultivation. Its impressive, dynamic blooms can transform any garden space.
Understanding Dahlia ‘Que Sera’
Dahlia ‘Que Sera’ is an elegant Anemone-flowered dahlia, recognized for its distinctive bloom structure and captivating color shifts. The flowers typically measure 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) in diameter, creating a notable display. Its unique appearance features a skirt of mauve-and-white petals that gradually lighten towards their base. These outer petals encircle a central pincushion of small, elongated white florets, which are tipped with mauve as the blooms mature.
The name “Que Sera,” meaning “whatever will be,” aptly describes its color-changing capabilities. Blooms often transition between pink, yellow, and cream throughout the season, adding a dynamic element to the garden. These robust plants typically reach a height of 3 to 4 feet (90-120 cm) with a spread of 1 to 2 feet, making them suitable for borders or as cut flowers.
Planting Dahlia ‘Que Sera’
Planting Dahlia ‘Que Sera’ tubers requires careful timing and site selection. Plant tubers in spring after the last frost, when soil temperatures reach 60°F (15°C), typically when tomatoes are planted in your region. These dahlias thrive in locations with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily, especially morning sun, and benefit from wind protection.
Soil preparation is important. Dahlias prefer rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with organic matter like aged manure, compost, or peat moss to improve drainage and aeration.
Dig a hole 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) deep, wide enough for the tuber. Place the tuber horizontally with the “eye” or growing point facing upwards, then gently backfill with a few inches of soil. Space tubers 12 to 18 inches apart for proper growth and air circulation. Avoid watering immediately after planting unless the soil is very dry, as too much moisture can lead to rot before shoots emerge.
Caring for Dahlia ‘Que Sera’
Consistent care helps Dahlia ‘Que Sera’ produce abundant blooms. Once shoots appear above the soil, when plants are 2-3 inches tall, regular deep watering can begin. Dahlias require consistent moisture, 1 inch of water per week, especially during dry spells. Deep watering two to three times weekly is more effective than shallow watering, ensuring moisture reaches the roots. Water at soil level to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilizing supports vigorous growth and prolific flowering. Dahlias perform best with a low-nitrogen fertilizer, featuring higher percentages of phosphorus and potassium, such as a 5-10-10 or 10-20-20 ratio. This promotes bloom production over excessive leafy growth. Apply fertilizer approximately 30 days after planting, then repeat every three to four weeks throughout the blooming season.
Deadheading, the removal of spent blooms, encourages the plant to produce more flowers by redirecting energy from seed production. This maintains a tidy appearance and deters pests. As ‘Que Sera’ dahlias can grow quite tall, providing support like staking is beneficial to prevent stems from bending or breaking from wind or the weight of large blooms. Place stakes at planting time to avoid damaging tubers.
Overwintering Dahlia ‘Que Sera’
In colder climates, overwintering Dahlia ‘Que Sera’ tubers is necessary to preserve them for the next growing season. The process begins after the first hard frost, which signals dormancy and allows tubers to mature. Wait 10 to 14 days after the foliage has blackened from frost before digging. Carefully lift the tuber clumps, digging at least a foot away from the main stem to avoid damage. Gently brush off excess soil.
After digging, allow tubers to cure in a cool, dry location out of direct sunlight for a few days to two weeks. Curing helps toughen the skin and prevents rot during storage. Once cured, store tubers in a cool, dark, well-ventilated space where temperatures remain between 40-50°F (4-10°C) and humidity is around 75-85%. Ideal storage mediums include peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings, which help maintain humidity and prevent drying or excessive moisture. Place tubers so they are not touching each other within the storage medium, and check them periodically throughout the winter for any signs of rot or shriveling.