Cultivating the vibrant ‘Kelsey Sunshine’ dahlia brings a burst of lemon-yellow color to any garden. This guide helps you successfully grow and maintain this popular dahlia variety. Understanding its needs ensures abundant blooms from midsummer until the first frost.
Meet the Kelsey Sunshine Dahlia
The ‘Kelsey Sunshine’ dahlia is a striking collarette variety known for its cheerful, lemon-yellow blooms. These flowers measure 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) wide. Blooms feature bright, flat outer petals, a delicate collar of shorter, frilly white florets, and a golden center. Plants are upright and sturdy, reaching 60-112 cm (24-44 inches) tall. Its compact, bushy habit suits borders and patio containers.
Planting and Growing Kelsey Sunshine Dahlia
Select the right planting location for ‘Kelsey Sunshine’ dahlias. These plants thrive in full sun, requiring six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and blooms. A sheltered spot protects brittle stems from strong winds.
Well-draining soil is important for dahlia health, as tubers rot in soggy conditions. An ideal soil pH ranges from 6.0 to 7.5, with 6.5 to 7.0 often recommended. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter like aged manure, compost, or peat moss to improve drainage and aeration. Loosen soil to at least 12 inches deep for proper tuber expansion.
Plant dahlia tubers after all frost danger has passed and soil temperature reaches at least 60°F (15°C). Plant them when tomatoes are planted outdoors. Dig a 4-6 inch deep hole, wide enough for the tuber, placing it horizontally with the eye facing upwards. Cover with 3-6 inches of soil. Space tubers 18-24 inches apart for airflow and spread. Unless soil is very dry, avoid watering immediately after planting; excess moisture can rot tubers before sprouts emerge. Begin consistent watering once sprouts appear.
Ongoing Care for Kelsey Sunshine Dahlia
Consistent watering is important for established ‘Kelsey Sunshine’ dahlias. Deep watering (8-10 inches) is more effective than shallow watering, encouraging strong root development. Dahlias may need deep watering two to three times weekly, or daily in extreme heat. Watering at the base prevents fungal issues.
Dahlias benefit from regular fertilization. Begin fertilizing 30 days after planting, or when plants are 6-12 inches tall. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10 or 4-10-10) with higher phosphorus and potassium. Too much nitrogen promotes leafy growth over blooms. Apply every 3-4 weeks for in-ground plants, and every 2-3 weeks for container plants.
As ‘Kelsey Sunshine’ dahlias grow, support is necessary to prevent brittle stems from breaking under bloom weight or wind. Stake at planting to avoid damaging tubers later. Individual hardwood or metal stakes, placed 3 inches from the main stem and driven 12 inches deep, work for single plants. For multiple plants, a corral method using stakes and twine encircles and supports them as they grow.
Deadheading (removing spent flowers) encourages continuous blooming and maintains plant vigor. Removing faded blooms redirects energy from seed production to new flowers. Deadhead every few days or at least weekly during blooming season. Cut spent blooms at the stem’s base, just above a healthy leaf or new bud, to encourage new growth.
Winter Care for Kelsey Sunshine Dahlia
In colder climates where ground freezes, lift and store ‘Kelsey Sunshine’ dahlia tubers for winter dormancy. After the first hard frost blackens foliage, cut stems back to 4-6 inches from the ground. Leave tubers in the ground for one to two weeks after cutting foliage; this cures and toughens them, signaling the plant to set “eyes” for next season.
Carefully dig up tubers, avoiding damage. Gently wash off excess soil with a hose or in a tub, avoiding skin punctures. After washing, dry and cure tubers for several days to two weeks in a warm, dry, well-ventilated spot away from direct sunlight. Tubers are ready for storage when skin wrinkles slightly, indicating sufficient moisture loss.
Store cured tubers in a cool, dark, dry location (40-45°F / 4-7°C), like an unheated basement or garage. Avoid excessive moisture or mold. Place tubers in a container (cardboard box, plastic bin, or milk crate) and layer with coarse vermiculite, peat moss, or sawdust to prevent touching and maintain humidity. Check stored tubers periodically for rot or shriveling; mist lightly if too dry.
Common Challenges
Early detection and action help maintain dahlia health. Pests like aphids, slugs, and spider mites can affect dahlias. Aphids, small soft-bodied insects, cluster on new growth and are managed with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Slugs and snails chew young leaves, leaving irregular holes; deter them with barriers like diatomaceous earth or copper tape. Spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions, causing leaf stippling; regular hosing helps.
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew and gray mold affect dahlias, especially in humid conditions or with poor air circulation. Powdery mildew appears as white, powdery growth on leaves; gray mold as grayish-brown fuzzy growth. Ensure good air circulation through proper spacing and avoid overhead watering to prevent these issues. Promptly remove affected leaves to slow spread; fungicides may be beneficial in some cases.