Cultivating Jowey Hubert Dahlias
The ‘Jowey Hubert’ dahlia is known for its unique charm in gardens and floral arrangements. Its petals display a blend of salmon, orange, and peach, sometimes with soft pink hints. The blooms are typically formal decorative or ball type, featuring precise, symmetrical petal arrangements. This distinct color and form make ‘Jowey Hubert’ a popular variety.
Site Selection and Planting
Select an appropriate planting site for ‘Jowey Hubert’ dahlias. They thrive in full sun, needing at least six to eight hours daily for abundant blooms. The location also needs excellent drainage to prevent water accumulation. Plant tubers after the last frost, when soil temperatures are above 60°F (15°C).
Proper planting ensures strong growth. Dig a 4 to 6-inch deep hole, placing the tuber horizontally with the “eye” facing upwards. Backfill gently, spacing tubers 18 to 24 inches apart for mature size and air circulation. This prevents overcrowding and promotes healthier development.
Watering Needs
Consistent moisture is important for dahlias, especially during establishment and dry periods. Newly planted tubers need regular watering for root development and active growth. Once established, deep watering two to three times a week is sufficient, particularly if rainfall is scarce.
Water deeply at the plant’s base, allowing moisture to penetrate the root zone. Avoid overhead watering, which can promote fungal diseases. While consistent moisture is beneficial, avoid waterlogging, which leads to tuber rot.
Soil Requirements
‘Jowey Hubert’ dahlias prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Loamy soil, which retains some moisture while draining excess, is ideal. Soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, 6.5 to 7.0.
Incorporate organic amendments like compost, well-rotted manure, or leaf mold to improve soil structure and fertility. These enhance drainage in clay soils and increase water retention in sandy soils, providing slow-release nutrients. Proper soil preparation contributes to plant health and vigor.
Fertilization
Fertilization supports vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Once established and actively growing, apply a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer. Higher phosphorus and potassium content is preferred, promoting flower development over excessive foliage.
Fertilize every three to four weeks during the growing season, from early to late summer. Apply granular fertilizer around the plant’s base, then water thoroughly to help nutrients reach roots. Over-fertilization, especially with high-nitrogen formulas, can lead to lush green growth but fewer blooms.
Staking and Support
Due to their height and heavy blooms, ‘Jowey Hubert’ dahlias need sturdy support to prevent stems from bending or breaking. Install stakes at planting to avoid damaging the developing tuber. A single sturdy stake (bamboo or rebar) near the tuber provides adequate support.
As the plant grows, secure the main stem to the stake with soft ties or clips, ensuring they aren’t too tight. For larger plants or windy locations, a cage system or multiple stakes offer greater stability. Early support maintains the plant’s upright form and protects blooms.
Pinching and Disbudding
Pinching and disbudding enhance dahlia performance. Pinching removes the central growing tip of young plants with three to four leaf sets. This encourages more lateral branches, resulting in a bushier plant with more flower stems.
Disbudding removes smaller side buds along the main flower stem, leaving only the largest central bud. This redirects energy to the remaining bud, leading to fewer but larger blooms. Both practices, while optional, contribute to a more controlled and aesthetically pleasing display.
Overwintering Jowey Hubert Tubers
In cold winter regions, ‘Jowey Hubert’ dahlia tubers must be dug up and stored indoors. Dig tubers after the first hard frost blackens the foliage, signaling dormancy. Cut stems back to 4-6 inches above ground, then gently lift the clump, avoiding tuber damage.
After digging, gently remove excess soil. Do not wash them, as this can introduce moisture and promote rot. Air dry tubers in a cool, well-ventilated area for several days until the skin is firm and dry. Curing helps them develop a protective layer, reducing moisture loss and fungal issues during storage.
Store dried tubers in a cool, dark, dry location, ideally 40-50°F (4-10°C). Place them in cardboard boxes or plastic bins, nestled in peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings to maintain stable humidity. Regularly inspect tubers for rot or shriveling, adjusting storage as needed for viability.
Pest and Disease Management
‘Jowey Hubert’ dahlias can encounter common pests and diseases. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth and leaf undersides, feeding on sap. Slugs and snails can also damage young foliage and stems. Regular inspection allows for early detection and management.
Organic pest control includes rinsing plants with water to dislodge aphids or using insecticidal soap sprays. For slugs and snails, hand-picking or beer traps can be effective. Fungal diseases like powdery mildew may appear as a white coating on leaves, especially in humid conditions. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering help prevent issues; fungicidal sprays can be applied if necessary.
Harvesting and Using Jowey Hubert Blooms
Harvesting ‘Jowey Hubert’ blooms at the correct stage maximizes vase life and visual appeal. Cut flowers in early morning or late evening when the plant is fully hydrated. Select fully open but firm blooms, as buds generally do not open once cut. Using sharp, clean pruners, make a long cut, leaving at least two leaf sets to encourage further branching and blooming.
Immediately after cutting, place stems into cool water to prevent wilting. For extended vase life, re-cut stems underwater and remove any foliage below the waterline, as submerged leaves promote bacterial growth. ‘Jowey Hubert’ dahlias last five to seven days in a vase with proper care, including daily water changes. Their striking salmon and peach tones make them a focal point in floral arrangements and a vibrant garden addition.