The ‘Honeymoon’ dahlia is an elegant addition to any garden with its distinctive blooms. This variety typically showcases large, double flowers, often informal decorative, with overlapping and slightly twisted petals. The color palette ranges from buttery yellow to apricot or yellow-orange, frequently featuring subtle lavender or peachy undertones that deepen towards the center. Reaching 3.5 to 6 feet tall, these 6 to 8-inch blossoms are favored for cut flower arrangements and as a striking garden focal point.
Planting Honeymoon Dahlias
Tubers should be planted after the last frost, when the soil temperature consistently reaches at least 60°F (15°C). Selecting a location that receives full sun, ideally 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily, is important for abundant blooms. If planting in hotter climates, morning sun with some afternoon shade can be beneficial.
‘Honeymoon’ dahlias thrive in rich, well-draining soil, which can be sandy, loamy, or clay-based if amended. Incorporating aged manure, compost, or peat moss improves drainage and aeration, especially in heavy soils. Dig a hole 4 to 6 inches deep, placing the tuber horizontally with the “eye” (the growing point) facing upwards. Cover the tuber with 2 to 3 inches of soil initially, gradually filling in as the plant grows. Avoid watering immediately after planting to prevent rot; wait until green sprouts emerge, typically within a few weeks, before beginning a regular watering schedule.
Caring for Honeymoon Dahlias
Once sprouts appear, deep watering is needed, aiming for water to penetrate 8 to 10 inches into the soil. Watering deeply 2 to 3 times per week, or more frequently during hot, dry periods, encourages robust root development and helps prevent issues like powdery mildew. Avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to tuber issues.
Dahlias benefit from fertilization throughout their growing period, though it should be avoided at planting time. A low-nitrogen fertilizer, such as a fish emulsion, is suitable once plants are established and the focus shifts from foliage growth to bloom production. Applying fertilizer every three to four weeks can support continuous flowering. As ‘Honeymoon’ dahlias grow tall (3.5 to 6 feet), staking is often necessary to prevent flopping. Inserting stakes at planting time avoids damaging established roots.
Pinching the plant when it reaches about 15 to 16 inches tall, by snipping the top portion above a set of leaves, encourages bushier growth and more flower production. Regularly removing spent blooms, known as deadheading, also promotes continuous flowering by redirecting the plant’s energy into new buds rather than seed production. Monitor for pests and diseases for early detection and intervention.
Overwintering Honeymoon Dahlias
In colder climates (USDA Zones 7 and lower), overwintering ‘Honeymoon’ dahlia tubers indoors is necessary as they cannot tolerate freezing ground temperatures. The ideal time to dig up tubers is after the first hard frost, which blackens foliage and signals dormancy, diverting starches to the tubers. Cut stems back to 4 to 6 inches above ground, then carefully dig around the tuber clump with a garden fork to avoid damage.
After digging, gently remove excess soil from the tubers. Allow tubers to dry and cure for several days to a few weeks in a cool, dry location with good air circulation, away from direct sunlight. This prevents rot during storage. Once dried, store the tubers in a cool, dark, and frost-free environment, ideally between 38-50°F (4-10°C), with relative humidity around 75-85%. Store in peat moss, vermiculite, or spruce shavings to regulate moisture. Periodically check tubers for rot or shriveling, discarding compromised ones.
Addressing Common Honeymoon Dahlia Issues
If plants exhibit leggy growth, appearing tall and spindly, it often indicates insufficient sunlight. Ensure adequate sunlight and pinch back young plants to prevent this. A lack of blooms can stem from insufficient light, over-fertilization with too much nitrogen, or inadequate watering during the growing season.
Aphids and slugs are common dahlia pests. Regular inspection allows for manual removal or targeted treatments if populations become problematic. Powdery mildew, a fungal disease, appears as white or grayish spots on leaves and stems. It is favored by high humidity, moderate temperatures, and poor air circulation. Increase plant spacing for better airflow, avoid overhead watering, and remove infected leaves to manage powdery mildew.