The Evanah Dahlia is a favored choice among gardeners for its striking blooms and ability to enhance any garden space. Its vibrant color and elegant form make it a popular variety, offering a rewarding experience for both novice and experienced cultivators.
Evanah Dahlia Characteristics
The Evanah Dahlia produces large blooms, often 6 to 8 inches in diameter. Its petals display a blend of soft pinks, sometimes transitioning to creamy white at their bases or edges, creating a delicate bicolor effect. These petals are elongated and slightly twisted, contributing to its unique form.
The plant grows 3 to 4 feet tall, with sturdy stems that support its substantial flowers. These long stems make the Evanah Dahlia an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements. Flowering begins in mid-summer and continues until the first hard frost.
Planting Evanah Dahlia
Planting Evanah Dahlia tubers correctly ensures a strong start. The ideal time for planting is after the last spring frost, when soil temperatures consistently reach 60°F (15°C) or warmer. Select a site that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for abundant blooming.
Evanah Dahlias thrive in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Amend heavy clay soils with compost or peat moss to improve drainage and provide essential nutrients. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
When planting, dig a hole 6 inches deep and place the tuber horizontally with the “eye” or sprout pointing upwards. Cover the tuber with 2 to 4 inches of soil, leaving a slight depression to be filled as the plant grows. Space tubers 18 to 24 inches apart for proper air circulation and growth. After planting, water thoroughly to settle the soil around the tuber.
Caring for Evanah Dahlia
Consistent care throughout the growing season encourages robust growth and prolific blooming. Deep watering is needed, especially during dry periods, providing about 1 inch of water per week from rainfall or irrigation. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which helps prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilization can begin a few weeks after planting, using a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer. A fertilizer with a ratio such as 5-10-10 or 10-20-20 applied every 3 to 4 weeks throughout the growing season supports vigorous flowering. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers as they promote leafy growth at the expense of blooms.
As Evanah Dahlias grow tall and produce large flowers, providing support is beneficial. Stake individual plants with sturdy bamboo stakes or use a grow-through support ring to prevent stems from bending or breaking. Insert stakes early in the season to avoid damaging the tuber later.
Regular deadheading, the removal of spent blooms, encourages the plant to produce more flowers. Pinching the central stem when the plant is about 12 inches tall promotes bushier growth and more blooms. Inspect plants regularly for common garden pests like aphids or spider mites, addressing any infestations promptly.
Winterizing Evanah Dahlia
In regions where winter temperatures drop below freezing, Evanah Dahlia tubers must be lifted and stored for the following season. After the first hard frost blackens the foliage, cut stems back to 4 to 6 inches above the ground. Carefully dig up the tubers, avoiding damage with your digging tool.
Once lifted, gently remove excess soil from the tubers, but avoid washing them, as this can introduce moisture that promotes rot during storage. Allow tubers to air dry in a cool, well-ventilated area for a few days until the skin feels dry and firm. This curing process toughens the outer layer, making them less susceptible to rot.
Store cured tubers in a cool, dark, and dry location where temperatures remain between 40°F and 50°F (4°C and 10°C). Peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings can be used as a storage medium to prevent moisture loss and maintain a stable environment. Place tubers in cardboard boxes or crates, ensuring they are not touching each other. Label each container with the dahlia variety for organization next season. In warmer climates, where temperatures rarely fall below freezing, tubers may be left in the ground if the soil provides excellent drainage.