The Holland Festival Dahlia is a popular choice for gardeners, known for its striking appearance and vibrant colors. Its impressive blooms create a dramatic focal point in summer garden beds and containers.
Understanding the Holland Festival Dahlia
The Holland Festival Dahlia has large, fully double flowers, measuring 7 to 10 inches (18 to 25 cm) in diameter. These “dinnerplate” blooms feature vibrant orange or red-orange petals often tipped with crisp white, creating a striking bicolored effect. Classified as a decorative dahlia, its petals are broad and symmetrically arranged without a central disc.
This dahlia grows tall and upright, reaching 36 to 44 inches (90 to 110 cm). Its foliage consists of pinnate leaves with ovate leaflets. It blooms from mid-summer until the first autumn frost.
Planting and Growing Holland Festival Dahlias
Plant Holland Festival Dahlias after the last spring frost, once soil temperatures have warmed. Tubers can be planted directly outdoors or started indoors four to six weeks before the last frost. These plants need full sun, at least six to eight hours daily, though they tolerate some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Well-draining soil rich in organic matter, like loamy soil amended with compost, is preferred. Consistent moisture is important, but avoid soggy conditions to prevent tuber rot. Plant tubers 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) deep with the “eyes” facing upwards. Space them 18 to 36 inches (45 to 90 cm) apart for adequate growth and air circulation. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Once established, Holland Festival Dahlias need consistent care to encourage growth and abundant blooms. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, two to three times per week to keep the soil consistently moist without waterlogging. Fertilize once per year, or in early spring and again in late summer, to support continuous flowering.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming. Pinching growing tips when plants are 8 to 10 inches tall encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Due to their tall stature and large flowers, staking or other support is necessary to prevent stems from bending or breaking, especially in windy conditions. Insert stakes early to avoid damaging developing tubers. Monitor for common issues like aphids or powdery mildew for timely treatment.
Winterizing and Storing Tubers
In colder climates (USDA Zones 3-7), Holland Festival Dahlia tubers must be lifted and stored indoors before winter’s freezing temperatures. After the first hard frost causes foliage to die back, cut stems to 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) above ground. Allow tubers to remain in the ground for one to two weeks after cutting back foliage; this helps their skins toughen for better storage.
When ready to dig, carefully loosen the soil around the tuber clump with a pitchfork, starting 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) from the stem to avoid damage. Gently lift the entire clump, taking care not to break tubers. Remove excess soil by shaking or brushing; if soil is heavy clay, a gentle rinse may be necessary. Allow tubers to dry for a few hours to several days in a cool, dry location out of direct sunlight, ensuring they do not freeze. Do not dry tubers directly on concrete, as it can draw out too much moisture.
For long-term storage, keep tubers in a cool, dark, and frost-free environment with good air circulation.
Temperature: 38-50°F (4-10°C).
Humidity: 75-90% to prevent shriveling or rot.
Medium: Store in breathable material like peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings.
Spacing: Ensure individual tubers are not touching to prevent decay spread.
Monitoring: Check every few weeks throughout winter, removing any showing signs of rot or mold.