The Jowey Joshua Dahlia captivates gardeners and flower enthusiasts with its striking appearance and prolific blooms. This dahlia variety has gained considerable popularity for its unique color palette and distinctive form, making it a favored choice for garden displays and cut flower arrangements. Its robust nature and consistent flowering throughout warmer months contribute to its widespread appeal, drawing attention in diverse garden settings.
Understanding Jowey Joshua Dahlia
The ‘Jowey Joshua’ Dahlia is celebrated for its exquisite ball-shaped blooms, often described as pompon-type, which feature perfectly formed, quilled petals. These striking flowers typically measure between 3.5 to 5 inches in diameter. Each petal showcases a unique two-toned effect, with brick-red or deep ruby-red on the face and a creamy yellow or pastel yellow reverse. This intriguing color combination gives the blooms a metallic or iridescent quality as they unfurl, adding depth and dimension to their appearance.
Standing at an impressive height of 36 to 43 inches (90-110 cm), ‘Jowey Joshua’ creates a strong vertical element in garden beds. Its sturdy stems ensure the flowers are held upright, making them highly desirable for garden aesthetics and floral designs. The continuous flowering from mid-summer through early fall provides an extended season of vibrant color.
Cultivating Jowey Joshua Dahlias
Site and Soil Preparation
Successful cultivation of ‘Jowey Joshua’ Dahlias begins with selecting an appropriate planting site. These plants thrive in full sun, ideally six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter, preventing water from pooling around the tubers which can lead to rot. Incorporating compost or aged organic materials improves drainage and provides essential nutrients for robust growth. Dahlias prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, typically 6.0 to 7.0.
Planting Tubers
Plant ‘Jowey Joshua’ tubers in spring, after the last frost and when the soil has warmed. Dig a 3 to 6-inch deep hole, carefully placing the individual tuber horizontally with the “eye” or sprout facing upwards. Space tubers about 18 to 24 inches apart for adequate air circulation and mature plant size. After covering with soil, water sparingly until the first green shoots emerge; too much moisture before growth can encourage rot.
Watering and Fertilizing
Once established and actively growing, ‘Jowey Joshua’ Dahlias require consistent moisture. Water regularly, typically two to three times per week, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Deep watering encourages root growth and is more beneficial than frequent shallow watering. When it comes to fertilization, ‘Jowey Joshua’ Dahlias benefit from a balanced approach; a low-nitrogen fertilizer should be applied every few weeks throughout the growing season to promote abundant flowering over excessive foliage.
Support and Deadheading
Due to their height and large blooms, ‘Jowey Joshua’ Dahlias often need structural support to prevent stems from bending or breaking. Install stakes or cages at planting time to ensure upright growth and intact stems. As blooms fade, it is beneficial to practice deadheading, which involves removing spent flowers. This redirects the plant’s energy from seed production to new blooms, encouraging a continuous display of vibrant flowers.
Harvesting and Displaying Blooms
Harvesting ‘Jowey Joshua’ Dahlia blooms at the correct stage helps ensure their longevity as cut flowers. The ideal time to cut flowers is in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. Select blooms that are about three-quarters open, as dahlias do not open much further once cut. Check the petals at the back of the bloom to ensure they are firm and lush, avoiding any that appear papery or dehydrated. Cut stems cleanly at an angle, approximately 18 inches long, just above a leaf node, to encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
Immediately after cutting, place the stems into a bucket of cool water containing flower food to begin conditioning them. For enhanced vase life, some growers sear the cut ends of the stems in hot water (around 160-180°F) for about one hour, which helps prevent sap leakage and aids water uptake. When properly conditioned, ‘Jowey Joshua’ dahlias can maintain their beauty in a vase for up to five to seven days.
Winterizing and Tuber Storage
In colder climates (USDA Zones 3-7) where winter temperatures drop below freezing, ‘Jowey Joshua’ Dahlia tubers are not hardy and must be lifted from the ground for winter storage. This typically begins after the first hard frost blackens foliage, signaling dormancy. Carefully dig up the tuber clump, avoiding damage. After lifting, remove soil, rinse lightly if needed, and air dry in a cool, well-ventilated area for one to two weeks to cure. Curing toughens the skin and prevents rot.
Store cured tubers in a cool, dark, dry location between 40-50°F (4-10°C). Common storage mediums include peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings, which help maintain stable humidity and prevent drying or rotting. Periodically check stored tubers for shriveling or decay, adjusting humidity or removing affected tubers as necessary.