Dahlia ‘Jomanda’ is a popular variety known for its unique and vibrant blooms. It enhances garden aesthetics and is a favored choice for cut flower arrangements, bringing distinct charm to any landscape with its striking coloration and form.
Understanding Jomanda Dahlia
Jomanda Dahlia is a distinctive ball dahlia with perfectly rounded, symmetrical blooms. Flowers typically measure 3 to 4 inches wide, displaying a captivating blend of orange-pink or salmon. Colors can vary to coral, copper, or rusty orange throughout the season, and its contrasting dark stems make Jomanda a standout plant.
The plant generally reaches 3 to 4 feet tall, providing a substantial garden presence. Its consistent and appealing form holds up well in bouquets, making it desirable for garden beds and floral designs.
Planting and Growing Jomanda Dahlias
Jomanda Dahlias thrive in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal blooming. In hot climates, light afternoon shade can be beneficial.
They prefer well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter, with an ideal pH of 6.5 to 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). Incorporating compost or well-rotted manure before planting improves soil structure and nutrient content.
Plant tubers after the last frost, when soil temperature consistently reaches 60 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. Plant tubers 4 to 6 inches deep, ensuring the ‘eye’ faces upwards. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart for adequate growth and air circulation. Water thoroughly after planting; spring rains may provide sufficient moisture until sprouts appear.
Ongoing Care for Jomanda Dahlias
Consistent watering is necessary once Jomanda Dahlias are established and actively growing. Deep watering two to three times per week is more effective than frequent shallow watering, as it encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil. It is important to avoid overwatering, as soggy conditions can lead to tuber rot.
Fertilization supports vigorous growth and abundant blooms. Dahlias benefit from a low-nitrogen fertilizer, such as a 5-10-10 or 5-10-15 formulation, applied every three to four weeks after initial planting. High nitrogen levels can promote excessive leafy growth at the expense of flower production and may weaken stems.
Deadheading spent blooms encourages the plant to produce more flowers throughout the season. This involves removing faded flower heads, signaling the plant to continue forming new buds. Pinching young dahlia plants when 10-12 inches tall with at least four sets of leaves promotes bushier growth and increases flower production by removing the central growing tip.
Due to their mature height, Jomanda Dahlias often require staking to prevent stems from breaking under the weight of their blooms or from strong winds. Install stakes at planting time to prevent tuber damage, and tie growing stems to supports every 12 to 18 inches for continuous stability.
Overwintering Jomanda Dahlia Tubers
In regions with cold winters (USDA Zones 3-7), Jomanda Dahlia tubers must be dug up and stored indoors to protect them from freezing. The ideal time is after the first hard frost, which blackens foliage and signals dormancy. Allowing tubers to remain in the ground for one to two weeks after this frost helps their skins toughen, improving storage viability.
Carefully lift tuber clumps, brushing off excess soil. Clean tubers by gently rinsing off remaining dirt, avoiding punctures to prevent rot.
Cure tubers for one to two days in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight to allow cuts to heal and skin to dry. For storage, pack tubers in peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings in boxes or crates, ensuring good air circulation and preventing contact. Optimal storage temperature is 40-50°F (7-10°C) with 80-90% humidity. Periodically check stored tubers for rot or shriveling, adjusting humidity as needed.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Jomanda Dahlias can encounter various issues, with pests being a common concern. Aphids and spider mites are sap-sucking insects that can cause distorted leaves and reduced plant vigor. A strong spray of water can dislodge aphids, while insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils are effective against spider mites. Slugs and snails may also feed on young foliage, and can be managed by hand-picking or organic slug repellents.
Diseases, primarily fungal, can also affect dahlias. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves, and botrytis (gray mold) can cause buds to rot. Good air circulation, proper plant spacing, and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent these issues. Prompt removal of infected plant parts also helps limit disease spread.
Non-pest or disease related problems may include a lack of blooms or leggy growth. Insufficient sunlight, especially less than six hours daily, can result in poor flowering. Over-fertilization with high-nitrogen products can also lead to lush foliage but few flowers. Leggy growth, characterized by tall, stretched stems with sparse leaves, often indicates a lack of light or insufficient pinching early in the growing season. Ensuring adequate sunlight and consistent pinching encourages a more compact and floriferous plant.