The Karma Lagoon Dahlia is a visually striking variety, known for its unique coloration and robust blooms. Its captivating appearance adds dramatic flair to landscapes, and its strong stems make it a favored choice for cut flower arrangements.
Understanding Karma Lagoon Dahlia
Karma Lagoon Dahlia features fully double flowers, 4 to 6 inches wide. These blooms display a blend of colors, transitioning from deep purple at the edges to a rich blue in the center, often accented with hints of magenta. This “lagoon” effect creates an iridescent quality.
This dahlia is classified as a decorative type, characterized by broad, flat-tipped petals that can sometimes be wavy. Plants grow to a mature height of 32 to 48 inches. Karma Lagoon Dahlia blooms from midsummer until the first frost, typically July to October. Its upright growth habit ensures the vibrant flowers stand tall, making it an excellent focal point in garden beds or containers.
Planting Karma Lagoon Dahlia
Successful establishment of Karma Lagoon Dahlias begins with careful site selection and proper soil preparation.
Site Selection
Karma Lagoon Dahlias perform best in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for robust growth and abundant blooms. Light shade may be beneficial in areas with very hot summers. Choose a location with good air circulation to help prevent fungal diseases. A sheltered spot also protects tall stems and large blooms from strong winds.
Soil Preparation
Well-draining, fertile soil is necessary for Karma Lagoon Dahlias to flourish, as tubers are prone to rot in soggy conditions. An ideal soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. Amend the planting area with a 4-inch layer of high-quality compost or well-rotted manure. This improves soil structure, enriches it with nutrients, aids moisture retention, and ensures adequate drainage.
Planting Tubers
Dahlia tubers should be planted outdoors in spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature has warmed to at least 60°F (15°C), typically when tomatoes are planted in your region. Dig a hole 4 to 6 inches deep and wide enough for the tuber. Place the tuber horizontally with the “eye,” or growth bud, facing upwards.
Cover the tuber with 3 to 4 inches of soil. Space individual tubers 18 to 24 inches apart for mature growth and air circulation, which helps prevent disease. Water very lightly after planting, only enough to slightly dampen the soil, as excessive moisture before sprouts emerge can lead to tuber rot. As new growth appears, gradually add more soil to cover the stem, which helps strengthen it.
Ongoing Care for Karma Lagoon Dahlia
Consistent care throughout the growing season ensures a healthy and floriferous Karma Lagoon Dahlia display.
Watering
Karma Lagoon Dahlias require consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, but are sensitive to overwatering and waterlogging. Water deeply once or twice a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Watering at the base of the plant helps keep foliage dry, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Less water is needed in early growth stages, but frequency may increase as the plant matures and temperatures rise.
Fertilizing
Dahlias benefit from a low-nitrogen fertilizer to encourage abundant blooms rather than excessive leafy growth. Use a fertilizer with a higher percentage of phosphorus and potassium, such as a 5-10-10 NPK ratio. Apply fertilizer 30 days after planting and continue every three to four weeks throughout the growing season. For container-grown dahlias, more frequent fertilization, every two to three weeks, may be necessary due to nutrient leaching.
Staking
Due to their mature height of 32 to 48 inches and large blooms, Karma Lagoon Dahlias benefit from staking to prevent stems from bending or breaking. Place a sturdy stake next to the tuber at planting time for easy tying as the plant grows. For multiple plants, a corral method using metal posts and twine can provide collective support. Proper support ensures the plant’s strong, upright growth habit is maintained, effectively showcasing its flowers.
Pest and Disease Management
Karma Lagoon Dahlias can encounter common garden pests and diseases, but organic strategies help maintain plant health. Aphids, small, soft-bodied insects, cluster on new growth, causing stunted development and curled leaves. Manage them with insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or by introducing natural predators like ladybugs. Slugs and snails may chew irregular holes in leaves; copper barriers, diatomaceous earth, or beer traps offer organic control.
Spider mites, which thrive in hot, dry conditions, cause stippling and discoloration on leaves. Regular hosing of the undersides of leaves and applying neem oil helps. Fungal diseases like powdery mildew, appearing as a white, powdery substance, are linked to humidity and poor air circulation. Ensure good air circulation by proper spacing and avoiding overhead watering to prevent these issues. Removing affected leaves promptly also helps prevent spread.
Winterizing Karma Lagoon Dahlia Tubers
In regions with cold winters (USDA Zones 3-7), Karma Lagoon Dahlia tubers are not hardy and must be lifted and stored to survive the colder months. This ensures the plant’s return for subsequent growing seasons.
After the first hard frost blackens the foliage, dig up the tubers. Carefully loosen the soil around the main stem, 10 to 12 inches out, to avoid damaging them. Once lifted, gently remove excess soil. Allow the tubers to air dry and cure in a cool, dry place for one to two weeks.
Store the cured tubers in boxes or crates, layered with material like peat moss, vermiculite, or shredded newspaper, ensuring they are completely covered. The storage area should be cool, dark, and frost-free, with temperatures between 40-50°F (7-10°C). Label stored tubers with the variety name, such as ‘Karma Lagoon’, for replanting the following spring. Periodically check tubers throughout winter and remove any showing signs of rot or mold to prevent spread.