‘Janick’s Symphony’ dahlia is a captivating addition to any garden, known for its elegant blooms and appealing growth. It produces abundant flowers, making it a favorite for ornamental displays and cut flower arrangements.
Distinctive Features of Janick’s Symphony Dahlia
‘Janick’s Symphony’ produces formal decorative, ball-shaped blooms measuring 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) in diameter. The petals are white with a soft pink glow or blush, often brushed with light pink and subtly outlined edges. This dahlia grows to a height of 3.5 to 4.5 feet (100-140 cm) and blooms from early summer until the first hard frost.
Planting and Growing Janick’s Symphony
Plant ‘Janick’s Symphony’ in a site receiving full sun exposure, ideally six to eight hours daily. The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter to prevent waterlogging. Prepare the bed by loosening the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches (30 cm) and incorporating compost or well-rotted manure to enhance structure and fertility. Dahlias prefer a soil pH of 6.5 to 7.0, which is slightly acidic to neutral.
Plant after the last spring frost, when soil temperature consistently reaches about 60°F (15°C). Plant tubers 3 to 6 inches deep with the ‘eye’ facing upwards, spaced 12 to 18 inches apart. After initial planting, water once, then refrain from further watering until green sprouts emerge to avoid rot. Once established, ‘Janick’s Symphony’ requires deep watering, reaching 8 to 10 inches into the soil, two to three times per week. Avoid wetting the foliage.
Fertilize to promote robust growth and abundant blooms. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer with higher percentages of phosphorus and potassium (e.g., NPK ratios like 5-10-10 or 2-4-4). Apply this granular fertilizer every three to four weeks from about a month after planting until early September. Staking is recommended due to the plant’s height and large blooms; stake at planting to prevent tuber damage.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Deadhead regularly to encourage continuous flowering and maintain plant vigor. This redirects the plant’s energy from seed production into creating new buds. Trim faded flowers with clean, sharp scissors just above a leaf node or intersecting stem.
Pinch the main stem when the plant reaches 8 to 12 inches tall, with three to four sets of leaves. This promotes bushier growth and increases flower production by removing the central growing tip, encouraging lateral branches. As the plant matures and blooms develop, adjust the staking system for continued support.
Monitor for common dahlia pests like aphids, slugs, spider mites, and earwigs. Inspect plants regularly and address issues promptly using methods such as neem oil, insecticidal soaps for aphids, or traps for slugs and earwigs. Prevent diseases like powdery mildew and botrytis (gray mold) by ensuring good air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and removing affected plant parts.
Overwintering Janick’s Symphony Tubers
In colder climates where the ground freezes, ‘Janick’s Symphony’ tubers must be dug up and stored indoors for winter. Dig tubers after the first hard frost blackens the foliage, signaling dormancy. Allowing them to remain in the ground for one to two weeks after this initial frost can help their skin toughen for storage, but dig immediately if a deep freeze is anticipated.
To dig, cut stalks back to 2 to 4 inches above the soil line. Gently loosen soil around the plant with a pitchfork, starting away from the central stem to avoid damaging tubers. Carefully lift the entire tuber clump, gently shaking off excess soil. Allow tubers to dry for a few days in a cool, frost-free location away from direct sunlight before storing.
Store dried tubers in a ventilated container (e.g., cardboard box, plastic bin with loose lid, paper bag), layering them with a medium like peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings. The storage environment should be cool and dark, with temperatures maintained between 40 and 50°F (4.4-10°C) to prevent freezing. Maintain humidity levels between 75% and 85% to prevent shriveling or rot, and check tubers periodically throughout winter. Replant these stored tubers in the spring once conditions are favorable.