The ‘Elsi Dahlia’ stands out as a captivating and highly sought-after addition to any garden, celebrated for its exquisite blooms and general appeal. Its popularity among gardeners is well-deserved, offering a display of beauty that enhances outdoor spaces.
Elsi Dahlia: Unique Characteristics
The ‘Elsi Dahlia’ is recognized for its distinctive visual attributes. This dahlia typically produces double flowers, often categorized as decorative or ball-shaped. The petals showcase a beautiful blend, primarily featuring shades of pink with a subtle hint of gold, particularly towards the inner petals. Some descriptions note a deep pink or salmon pink center that fades to a paler pink on the outer petals, or even a soft pink and creamy white contrast.
These blooms generally measure around 3-4 inches (approximately 9 cm) in diameter. The plant itself is compact and bushy, typically reaching a height of 2 to 3.5 feet (around 70 cm to 1 meter) and spreading about 1 to 1.5 feet (30-50 cm). ‘Elsi Dahlia’ blooms prolifically from summer until the first frost, usually from July through November, providing a continuous display of color. Its strong, straight stems make it an excellent choice for cut flowers.
Cultivating Elsi Dahlia: Planting and Basic Care
Successful cultivation of ‘Elsi Dahlia’ begins with proper site selection and soil preparation. Dahlias thrive in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal blooming. Planting them in a location that receives morning sun and some afternoon shade can be beneficial in very hot climates to prevent scorching.
The soil should be well-drained, rich, and humus-rich, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Good drainage is important as dahlias are prone to rotting in overly wet conditions. Before planting, loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches (30 cm) and amend it with compost and an all-purpose granular fertilizer.
Dahlia tubers should be planted after the last spring frost, once the soil temperature has warmed to about 60°F (15°C). Plant the tubers with the “eyes” (growth points) facing upwards, about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) deep. Space them 12-18 inches apart, or up to 18-24 inches for larger varieties, to ensure adequate air circulation and growth.
Initial watering should be minimal; water once when first planting the tuber, then wait until sprouts emerge, especially in cooler climates. Once the plant is established and about 8-12 inches tall, deep watering is essential, typically 2-4 times per week, ensuring the water penetrates 8-10 inches deep to reach the roots. Container-grown dahlias may require watering once or twice daily, as they dry out more quickly.
Fertilization is important. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leafy growth at the expense of blooms. Instead, use a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus, and high-potassium fertilizer, starting after the plants begin to grow and continuing monthly during the blooming season.
Taller ‘Elsi Dahlia’ plants benefit from support to prevent them from toppling over due to their height and heavy blooms. Staking is best done at planting time to avoid damaging the tubers. Bamboo poles or sturdy stakes, driven at least 12 inches deep and about 3 inches from the central stem, provide effective support.
Pinching the growing tips when the plant is 8-10 inches tall with at least 3-5 sets of leaves encourages bushier growth and more blooms. This redirects the plant’s energy to lateral buds, resulting in multiple flowering stems. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, also stimulates the plant to produce more blooms throughout the season.
Overwintering Elsi Dahlia
In colder climates, where winter temperatures fall below freezing, ‘Elsi Dahlia’ tubers must be lifted and stored indoors to survive. This is typically necessary in USDA hardiness zones 7 and below. The ideal time to dig up tubers is after the first hard frost has blackened the foliage, usually waiting 10-14 days after this event to allow the tubers to toughen.
Carefully dig up the tuber clumps, removing excess soil. Allow the tubers to dry or “cure” for a few days to several weeks in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and away from frost. This curing process helps prevent rot during storage. Some growers rinse the tubers clean before drying.
Once dry, store the tubers in a cool, dark, and frost-free location, such as a basement, garage, or root cellar, where temperatures remain between 40-50°F (4-10°C). They can be packed in dry peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings in a cardboard box, plastic crate, or paper bag, ensuring good air circulation and preventing the tubers from touching each other. Check on the tubers periodically throughout the winter for any signs of shriveling or rot and adjust storage conditions as needed.
Common Challenges and Solutions
‘Elsi Dahlias’ can encounter common issues. Pests such as slugs and snails are particularly problematic early in the growing season, feeding on tender foliage and leaving irregular holes. Earwigs can also damage leaves and flower buds, especially at night. Regularly checking plants, maintaining a tidy garden area, and using organic slug repellents can help manage these pests. Aphids, thrips, and spider mites are sap-sucking insects that can cause distorted leaves, discoloration, and stunted growth. Insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils can be used to control these infestations.
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew, appearing as white dust on leaves, are common in warm, humid conditions. Ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent its spread. Botrytis, or grey mold, can cause buds to rot and stems to develop fuzzy grey mold, especially in wet weather. Removing infected plant parts promptly helps limit its spread.
A lack of blooms can be a challenge. This is often due to insufficient sunlight, as dahlias need ample light to flower. Over-fertilizing with nitrogen-rich products can also lead to lush foliage but few flowers. Ensuring adequate, deep watering is also crucial, as drought stress can inhibit blooming. Consistent deadheading encourages continuous flower production.