Dahlia ‘Tangerine Dream’ is a visually striking plant, known for its vibrant blooms that add a burst of color to any garden. Its unique blend of hues and elegant form makes it a favored choice, transforming garden beds and containers with its cheerful, eye-catching appearance throughout the growing season.
Understanding Dahlia ‘Tangerine Dream’
Dahlia ‘Tangerine Dream’ features formal decorative, fully double flowerheads with flat or slightly incurved florets. Petals display a vibrant mix of tangerine or orange shades, often accented with soft white tips, creating a cheerful bi-color effect. Some variations may shift from orange and white to a golden and white blend as they mature.
Blooms measure 4 to 6 inches in diameter, making a noticeable statement. This dahlia reaches 3 to 4 feet tall, providing a substantial vertical element in the garden. It has a bushy, clump-forming growth habit, flowering prolifically from summer until the first frost.
Planting Dahlia ‘Tangerine Dream’
Plant Dahlia ‘Tangerine Dream’ after the last spring frost, when soil temperature consistently reaches at least 60°F (15°C). They thrive in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal bloom production. A south or west-facing aspect is often ideal.
Prepare well-draining, rich, organic soil. Loosen it to about 12 inches (30 cm) deep, creating an ideal environment for tuber development. Incorporate compost and an all-purpose granular fertilizer to establish a nutrient-rich foundation.
Plant tubers horizontally, 3 to 6 inches below the soil surface, with sprouts facing up. Space them 12 to 18 inches apart. After planting, fill in the soil, press firmly, and water thoroughly. Withhold subsequent watering until sprouts appear to prevent tuber rot.
Ongoing Care for ‘Tangerine Dream’ Dahlias
Water ‘Tangerine Dream’ dahlias consistently once sprouts appear. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods, to ensure adequate moisture. Avoiding frequent, shallow watering promotes the development of a robust root system. Provide supplemental organic water-soluble fertilizer every three to four weeks until September. This supports vigorous growth and abundant flowering, and stopping in September prepares tubers for overwintering.
As they grow 3 to 4 feet tall, provide staking or other support to prevent stems from bending or breaking, especially when laden with blooms. Install support early in the growing season, when plants are still relatively small, to prevent damage to the root system and plant structure later on. Pinch off the top of the main stem when the plant reaches about 12 inches (30 cm) tall to encourage bushier growth and increased flower production.
Deadheading, the practice of removing spent or faded blooms, encourages continuous flowering throughout the season. This redirects the plant’s energy from seed production back into developing new flower buds. Use clean, sharp garden scissors to trim spent dahlia blooms just above a leaf node. This promotes a tidier appearance and stimulates further branching. Cutting blossoms for indoor arrangements also encourages more branching and flower production. Regularly inspect for pests and diseases for early identification and treatment.
Overwintering Your Dahlia ‘Tangerine Dream’
Overwintering Dahlia ‘Tangerine Dream’ tubers is necessary in regions where winter temperatures drop below freezing, as they are tender perennials. Begin after the first hard frost blackens the foliage, signaling dormancy and energy storage in tubers.
Carefully dig up tubers, avoiding damage. Use a garden fork to loosen soil in a wide circle, then gently lift the clump. Remove as much soil as possible without washing, as excess moisture promotes rot during storage. Air dry tubers in a cool, well-ventilated area for several days to cure, which toughens their skin and reduces fungal risk.
After curing, store clean, dry tubers in a cool, dark, dry location consistently above freezing, ideally 40-50°F (4-10°C). Place tubers in a container filled with a moisture-absorbing material like peat moss, vermiculite, or sawdust to maintain proper humidity and prevent dehydration. Ensure tubers are not touching each other directly to minimize rot spread. Periodically check stored tubers throughout winter, removing any showing decay.
Addressing Common Dahlia Challenges
Dahlia ‘Tangerine Dream’ growers may encounter common issues affecting plant health and bloom production. A lack of blooms, for instance, can sometimes be attributed to an excess of nitrogen in the soil, which encourages leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Insufficient sunlight is another common culprit, as dahlias require full sun exposure to produce abundant blossoms. Adjust fertilization to include a high-potash feed during blooming, and ensure adequate light.
Leggy growth, characterized by tall, stretched stems with sparse foliage, often indicates insufficient light. Provide more direct sunlight or ensure proper spacing to reduce light competition. Improper pruning can also contribute to leggy plants; the initial pinch at 12 inches is important for bushiness.
Common pests like aphids and slugs can affect dahlias. Aphids, small sap-sucking insects, can be dislodged with a strong water spray or treated with insecticidal soap. Slugs, which chew holes in leaves and flowers, are managed through hand-picking, beer traps, or organic slug bait. Fungal diseases like powdery mildew, appearing as a white, powdery coating on leaves, can occur in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation by proper spacing and avoid overhead watering to prevent its spread.