The ‘Gitts Perfection’ dahlia is admired for its impressive blooms and elegant presence in the garden. It is a favored choice for dramatic floral displays, making it a standout addition to any landscape. Its popularity stems from its consistent performance and visual impact.
Gitts Perfection Dahlia Characteristics
‘Gitts Perfection’ is a large-flowered dahlia, a decorative or informal decorative type. Its striking blooms, often 8 to 10 inches across, earn it the “dinnerplate” designation. The petals display a blend of soft pink and white, sometimes with blush or apricot tones, and playful, twisting tips. These plants reach 3 to 5 feet tall, making them a prominent garden feature. Their substantial size and sturdy stems also make them an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements.
Planting and Establishing Gitts Perfection
Proper planting is key for ‘Gitts Perfection’ dahlias. Plant tubers outdoors after the last spring frost and when soil temperatures have warmed. A location with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal for robust growth and abundant blooms. While dahlias tolerate a range of soil types, they thrive in rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. Dig a hole approximately 4 to 6 inches deep, placing the tuber horizontally with the “eye” or sprout facing upwards. Space individual tubers 18 to 24 inches apart for proper air circulation and growth, especially for larger varieties like ‘Gitts Perfection’. After planting, avoid immediate heavy watering; a light initial watering is sufficient. Subsequent watering should only occur once shoots emerge to prevent tuber rot.
Ongoing Care for Gitts Perfection
Consistent care ensures a continuous display of ‘Gitts Perfection’ blooms. Once established and shoots appear, regular deep watering is important, especially during dry periods. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Dahlias benefit from a low-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10 or 10-20-20) to encourage flower production over leafy growth. Apply fertilizer every three to four weeks after the plant is established, until September.
Due to their height and large blooms, ‘Gitts Perfection’ dahlias require staking or support to prevent stems from bending or breaking. Install sturdy stakes or a support system, like a tomato cage or a corral method with twine, shortly after planting to avoid damaging the tubers later. Pinching the central stem when the plant reaches 12 to 16 inches tall encourages branching and more blooms. Deadheading spent flowers regularly promotes continuous flowering by preventing the plant from expending energy on seed production.
Winterizing and Storing Dahlia Tubers
In regions colder than USDA Zone 8, ‘Gitts Perfection’ dahlia tubers must be lifted and stored indoors for winter protection. After the first hard frost blackens the foliage, carefully dig up the entire clump of tubers. Gently remove excess soil, but avoid washing them unless the soil is heavy clay. Allow tubers to dry and cure in a cool, dark, dry location for several days to a week, ensuring no exposure to freezing temperatures.
Once cured, store the tubers in a cool, dark, and frost-free environment. An ideal storage temperature ranges from 38 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (4 to 10 degrees Celsius) with a relative humidity of 75% to 85%. Tubers can be packed in a breathable medium such as peat moss, vermiculite, or sand to maintain humidity and prevent shriveling. Periodically check stored tubers throughout winter and remove any showing signs of rot or mold to prevent spread.
Dividing and Propagating Gitts Perfection
Dividing dahlia tubers is an effective way to propagate ‘Gitts Perfection’ and maintain vigor. The best time to divide the clumps is in early spring, just before planting. Each viable division must have at least one “eye” or sprout, a small bump on the crown (where the tuber connects to the stem). Without an eye, a tuber will not produce a new plant.
Carefully separate the tubers, ensuring each section retains a piece of the crown with an eye. Use a clean, sharp knife or pruners to make precise cuts. Dividing tubers increases your stock of ‘Gitts Perfection’ dahlias, promotes healthier plants, and encourages more prolific blooming by preventing overcrowding. After division, individual tubers can be potted indoors to get a head start on the growing season before transplanting outdoors after the last frost.