The ‘El Sol’ Dahlia is a popular choice for gardeners, known for its striking appearance and vibrant colors. Its large, impressive blooms evoke the warmth and brilliance of the sun, making it a focal point in any garden setting.
El Sol Dahlia Characteristics
The ‘El Sol’ Dahlia is known for its “dinner plate” sized blooms, reaching up to 12 inches in diameter. These flowers feature an informal decorative form with broad, flat petals that are slightly rolled or twisted. Its warm color palette typically displays a butter-yellow center transitioning to darker yellow and orange at the petal tips, creating a radiating, sunset-like effect. The plant can reach about 4.5 feet tall, adding a significant vertical element. Its large blooms, vibrant colors, and height make ‘El Sol’ a standout.
Planting El Sol Dahlias
Location is important for ‘El Sol’ dahlia growth. They thrive in full sun, needing at least six hours daily for abundant blooms. Well-draining soil is also important; dahlias are prone to rot in overly wet conditions. Amending heavy clay soils with organic matter like peat moss or sand improves drainage.
Plant ‘El Sol’ dahlia tubers in spring after frost danger has passed and soil temperature consistently reaches 60°F (16°C), often coinciding with tomato planting. Plant tubers horizontally, eye facing up, 4 to 6 inches deep. Space tubers 12 to 18 inches apart, especially for larger varieties like ‘El Sol’, to allow ample growth. After planting, avoid immediate watering unless soil is very dry; excessive moisture can lead to tuber rot before shoots emerge.
El Sol Dahlia Care and Maintenance
Consistent watering is important once ‘El Sol’ dahlias sprout and establish. Deep water (8-10 inches) two to three times a week, especially during hot, dry periods, to encourage deep roots. Container dahlias may need daily watering as potting mix dries faster, but allow soil to almost completely dry between waterings to prevent tuber rot.
Fertilization supports vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Use a low-nitrogen liquid fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10 or 10-20-20). Apply about 30 days after planting, then every three to four weeks for in-ground plants, or every two to three weeks for container-grown dahlias. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote foliage over flowers.
Staking supports tall stems and large blooms, preventing breakage from wind or flower weight. Install stakes at planting time to avoid damaging tubers later. For plants over 3 feet, use a sturdy 6-foot hardwood or metal stake placed about 3 inches from the stem. As the plant grows, tie main stems to the stake every 12 inches, ensuring ties are secure but not too tight for stem expansion.
Deadheading (removing spent blooms) encourages continuous flowering by redirecting energy from seed production to new buds. Check plants regularly, ideally every few days during peak bloom, to identify faded flowers. Cut the spent flower stem down to the nearest leaves or new bud. This promotes more blooms, maintains appearance, and reduces pest hiding spots.
Common Problems and Solutions for El Sol Dahlias
Pests
Several pests can impact dahlia health and appearance. Slugs and earwigs feed on young shoots and petals, leaving irregular holes; use traps or organic baits. Aphids, small sap-sucking insects, congregate on new growth, causing distorted leaves and stunted development; a strong water spray or insecticidal soap controls them. Spider mites, common in hot, dry conditions, cause leaf stippling and discoloration; regular misting increases humidity and deters them.
Diseases
Diseases can also affect ‘El Sol’ dahlias; powdery mildew is a common fungal issue, appearing as a white coating on leaves. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering help prevent its spread. Botrytis (gray mold) occurs in damp conditions, causing fuzzy gray patches on flowers and leaves; promptly remove affected parts and improve air circulation. Less common viral issues cause distorted growth, yellowing, or mosaic patterns on leaves. Remove and discard infected plants to prevent spread, as there is no cure.
Overwintering and Propagating El Sol Dahlias
Overwintering
In climates with freezing winter temperatures (USDA Zones 7 and colder), ‘El Sol’ dahlia tubers must be dug up and stored indoors to protect them from frost. After the first autumn frost blackens foliage, cut stems back to a few inches above ground. Allow tubers to remain in the ground for about 10 days after cutting foliage, allowing the plant to send more energy to them. Carefully lift tuber clumps with a garden fork, avoiding damage.
Once lifted, gently shake off excess soil. Some growers rinse tubers, while others leave some soil to retain moisture during storage. After cleaning, air dry tubers for several days to a few weeks in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. This curing prevents rot during storage.
For storage, place dried tubers in a container (e.g., cardboard box, plastic bin) layered with peat moss, vermiculite, or sawdust to prevent touching and maintain stable humidity. Ideal storage temperature is 40-50°F (4-10°C) in a dark, dry, frost-free location like an unheated basement or cool garage. Periodically check tubers throughout winter for rot or shriveling; remove damaged tubers and adjust humidity if needed.
Propagating
Propagating ‘El Sol’ dahlias is commonly done by dividing stored tubers in early spring before replanting. Each division must have at least one viable “eye” (growth bud) and a piece of the tuber body attached; eyes are where new shoots emerge. Eyes are often easier to see after tubers have been in storage and begin to swell or sprout. Use a clean, sharp knife or pruners to carefully separate tubers, ensuring each section has an eye, an intact neck, and a healthy tuber portion. Disinfect tools between cuts to prevent disease spread. These divided tubers can then be planted to produce new ‘El Sol’ dahlia plants.