The ‘Ginger Snap’ dahlia is a popular garden flower known for its warm, vibrant coloration. Its unique blend of hues makes it a favored choice for adding cheerful color to garden beds and floral arrangements.
Ginger Snap Dahlia Characteristics
‘Ginger Snap’ dahlia blooms are waterlily-shaped with gracefully arranged petals. They display golden yellow, soft orange, and caramel tones, often with a deeper orange center. Blooms measure 2.5 to 4 inches across. Plants reach up to 4 feet tall, producing long, sturdy stems suitable for cutting. They offer continuous display from mid-summer through the first autumn frosts.
Planting and Growing Ginger Snap Dahlias
Plant ‘Ginger Snap’ dahlias in full sun, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily; partial shade may be acceptable in warmer climates. Soil should be well-drained, rich in organic matter, with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. Amend heavy or compacted soil with compost, peat moss, or sand to improve drainage and texture.
Plant tubers outdoors after the last frost, when soil temperature consistently reaches about 60°F (15°C), around the same time tomatoes are planted in your region. Dig a hole 4 to 6 inches deep, placing the tuber horizontally with the “eye” facing upwards. Space tubers 12 to 24 inches apart for proper air circulation. After planting, water sparingly until green shoots emerge; too much moisture before sprouts can cause tuber rot.
Ongoing Care for Ginger Snap Dahlias
Once ‘Ginger Snap’ dahlias emerge, consistent watering is important, especially during dry periods. Deep water two to three times a week, ensuring moisture reaches 8 to 10 inches deep, which is more effective than frequent shallow watering. For fertilization, use a low-nitrogen formula (e.g., 5-10-10 or 10-20-20) to encourage blooms over excessive foliage. Apply fertilizer 30 days after planting and then monthly until flowering begins, avoiding overfeeding.
Deadheading, the removal of spent flowers, encourages continuous blooming and maintains plant vigor. Identify spent blooms by their pointed shape and softer texture, contrasting with round, firm new buds. Cut faded flower stems back to the nearest set of leaves to promote new growth. Since ‘Ginger Snap’ dahlias grow up to 4 feet tall, staking is necessary to prevent stems from breaking. Insert stakes at planting time, about 3 inches from the center stem, and tie growing stems as the plant gains height.
Winterizing and Storing Dahlia Tubers
In regions with cold winters (USDA Zones 7 and below), ‘Ginger Snap’ dahlia tubers are not hardy and must be dug up and stored indoors. This process begins after the first hard frost, which causes foliage to blacken. Carefully dig around the plant to lift the tuber clump, avoiding damage.
After digging, gently remove excess soil and allow tubers to dry or “cure” for several days in a cool, dry location with good air circulation, away from direct sunlight. Store dried tubers in a cool, dark, frost-free environment (40-50°F / 4-10°C). Store in mediums like peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings, which help maintain humidity and prevent tubers from touching. Place them in cardboard boxes, plastic bins, or paper bags with adequate ventilation. Periodically check stored tubers throughout winter, removing any showing signs of rot or mold, and lightly mist packing material if tubers appear shriveled. This ensures viability for re-planting the following spring.