The Dikara Superb Dahlia is celebrated for its abundant, vibrant blooms. It is a popular choice for gardeners of all experience levels.
Distinctive Features of Dikara Superb Dahlia
The Dikara Superb Dahlia is distinguished by its unique bloom characteristics and robust growth habit. Its flowers typically measure 3 to 5 inches across, classifying it as a small formal decorative dahlia. The petals are arranged in a precise, full, and rounded form, contributing to its refined appearance. The color palette is a vibrant pink, ranging from sugar to deep pink, sometimes exhibiting warm, bright pink, salmon, or raspberry undertones depending on growing conditions and bloom maturity. These rich hues, combined with the dense petal structure, create a captivating display. Plants grow 4 to 5 feet tall, with long, sturdy stems well-suited for cutting.
Planting and Cultivation Requirements
Successful cultivation of Dikara Superb Dahlias requires an appropriate site and prepared soil. These plants thrive in full sun, needing six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily, ideally including morning sun. In regions with intense heat, afternoon shade can prevent leaf scorch and maintain bloom quality.
Dahlias need rich, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5, ideally 6.5 to 7.0. For heavy clay, amend with organic matter like compost, aged manure, or peat moss to improve drainage and aeration. Loosen the soil to at least 12 inches deep for proper tuber development.
Plant after the last spring frost, when soil temperature reaches 60°F (15°C). Dig a hole and position the tuber 3 to 6 inches below the surface, with the “eye” facing up. Space tubers 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for growth and air circulation.
After planting, water tubers thoroughly once to settle the soil. Do not water again until green shoots emerge. Overwatering at this stage can cause tuber rot, especially in cooler soil. This initial dry period encourages root establishment.
Ongoing Care for Thriving Blooms
Once Dikara Superb Dahlias establish and sprouts are visible, consistent watering is essential for growth and abundant flowering. Water deeply two to three times per week, ensuring moisture penetrates 8 to 10 inches. Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root issues. Container-grown dahlias may need daily watering in hot weather. Water at the plant’s base, avoiding foliage to discourage fungal diseases.
Fertilization promotes blooming throughout the season. Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10 or 10-20-20) about 30 days after planting. Fertilize every three to four weeks for in-ground plants, or every two to three weeks for container plants, until early September. This balance promotes flower development over leafy growth. Organic options like processed cow manure, compost, or kelp and bone meal also provide slow-release nutrients.
To encourage a bushier plant with more blooms, pinch the dahlia when it reaches 10 to 12 inches tall with three to five sets of leaves. This removes the top growing tip, redirecting energy into side shoots. While delaying the first bloom, this practice leads to more flowers.
Regular deadheading maintains continuous bloom production. Promptly remove faded flowers by cutting the stem just above a leaf node. This prevents seed production, channeling energy into new buds. Given their 4 to 5-foot height, staking Dikara Superb Dahlias is recommended to support stems and prevent breakage from wind or rain.
Common Pests and Diseases
Dikara Superb Dahlias may encounter common pests and diseases, but monitoring helps early intervention. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth, sucking sap and causing distorted leaves or sticky honeydew. A strong water spray can dislodge them; horticultural oil or insecticidal soaps treat severe infestations. Slugs and snails damage young plants by chewing irregular holes in foliage. Manage them with barriers like crushed eggshells or copper tape, or by evening hand-picking.
Spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions, causing stippling or yellowing on leaves, often with fine webbing. Regular misting deters them, and insecticidal soaps are effective. Earwigs may chew on leaves and flower buds at night. Thrips can distort leaves and flowers and potentially transmit viruses.
Common diseases include powdery mildew, appearing as a white coating on leaves and stems due to poor air circulation or high humidity. Proper plant spacing and removing affected foliage limit its spread; organic fungicides like sulfur or neem oil can be applied. Tuber rot, caused by fungi like Botrytis or Fusarium, manifests as soft, mushy tubers, often from overly wet soil or improper storage.
Dahlia Mosaic Virus (DMV) is a serious concern, causing mosaic patterns on leaves, stunted growth, or distorted flowers. Spread by aphids and contaminated tools or tubers, there is no cure. Promptly remove and destroy affected plants to prevent further spread.
Overwintering Dahlia Tubers
For gardeners in colder climates where the ground freezes, overwintering Dikara Superb Dahlia tubers ensures their return year after year. After the first frost blackens the foliage, cut the stems back to about 4 to 6 inches above the ground. It is beneficial to leave the tubers in the ground for an additional one to two weeks after this initial frost, as this helps the tubers cure and toughen their skin for storage.
Carefully dig up the tuber clumps with a pitchfork, being mindful not to damage them. Gently remove excess soil, then turn the clumps upside down to allow any remaining water to drain from the hollow stems. Allow the tubers to dry in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area for a few days to a week. This curing process is crucial for preventing rot during storage.
Once cured, store the tubers in a cool, dark, and frost-free location where temperatures remain consistently between 40-50°F (4-10°C). Ideal humidity levels are around 75-85%, preventing desiccation or excessive moisture. Acceptable storage mediums include peat moss, vermiculite, sawdust, or wood shavings, which help maintain appropriate moisture levels and prevent tubers from touching each other. Check on the tubers monthly throughout winter, removing any that show signs of rot or shriveling.