The ‘Kenora Wildfire’ Dahlia is a striking and robust cultivar. This dahlia captivates with vibrant blooms, adding dramatic color to gardens and arrangements. Understanding its needs ensures a successful growing experience.
Distinctive Characteristics of Kenora Wildfire Dahlia
The ‘Kenora Wildfire’ Dahlia is renowned for its explosive color and presence, featuring fiery electric red blooms that maintain their brilliance. These bold flowers are typically semi-cactus form, with rolled and pointed petals. Each bloom often reaches 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) across. Its intense red color contrasts with lush, deep green to dark purple foliage. This variety stands tall, generally reaching heights of 3-4 feet (1 to 1.2 meters), contributing vertical interest.
Cultivating Kenora Wildfire Dahlia
Site Selection
Proper site selection is key for ‘Kenora Wildfire’ Dahlias. These sun-loving plants flourish in bright conditions, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and abundant blooming. An ideal spot faces south or west to maximize sun exposure. Protection from strong winds is beneficial, as their tall stems and large blooms can be susceptible to damage. Avoiding areas near large trees or shrubs prevents competition for water and nutrients.
Soil Preparation and Planting
‘Kenora Wildfire’ Dahlias thrive in rich, well-drained soil with ample organic matter. Amend the soil with well-rotted manure or compost for a loose, nutrient-rich environment. Prepare soil to a depth of 10-12 inches for root growth and drainage. Plant tubers after the last threat of frost, typically when soil temperatures reach around 60°F (15°C) or warmer. Place the tuber horizontally in a hole about 4-6 inches deep, ensuring the “eye,” or growth point, faces upwards. Space individual tubers approximately 12-18 inches apart for proper air circulation and mature plant size.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Watering
Consistent, deep watering is important for established ‘Kenora Wildfire’ Dahlias. Newly planted tubers should not be watered immediately unless in a very hot, dry climate. Mature plants require significant moisture. Deep watering, reaching 8-10 inches into the soil, should occur three to four times per week, especially during dry periods and hot summer weather. For dahlias grown in containers, watering may be needed more frequently, potentially one to two times daily, until water drains from the bottom. This ensures sufficient hydration, promoting vigorous growth and continuous blooming.
Fertilizing
Dahlias are heavy feeders; proper fertilization supports prolific flowering. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer, as excessive nitrogen promotes leafy growth over blooms. Fertilizers high in phosphorus and potassium are recommended. An initial application can be worked into the soil at planting time, or well-rotted cow/steer manure can be incorporated beforehand. Subsequent applications of commercial fertilizer should begin about 30 days after planting and continue every three to four weeks for in-ground plants, or every two to three weeks for container-grown dahlias, throughout the growing period.
Staking and Deadheading
Due to their height and large blooms, ‘Kenora Wildfire’ Dahlias often require staking. Install stakes at planting time to avoid disturbing developing roots later. Individual stakes (wood, metal, bamboo) or a corralling method with multiple stakes and twine can support plants. As the plant grows, tie the main stem loosely to the stake with twine or plant ties, repeating at intervals for continuous support.
Deadheading, removing spent blooms, encourages continuous flowering and maintains plant vigor. When a flower fades, its petals drop, and the bloom head begins to form seeds. Removing these spent flowers redirects energy into producing more buds rather than seed development. To deadhead, cut the stem just above the next set of leaves or a new side shoot, ensuring a clean cut. Regularly deadheading, perhaps weekly or fortnightly, can significantly extend the blooming period until the first frost.
Overwintering Kenora Wildfire Dahlia
In colder climates (USDA Zones 3-7), ‘Kenora Wildfire’ Dahlia tubers must be lifted and stored indoors to protect them from freezing temperatures. The process begins after the first hard frost, which blackens foliage. Allowing tubers to remain in the ground for one to two weeks after this frost helps their skin toughen for storage. Before digging, cut plant stalks down to about 4-6 inches from the ground.
Carefully dig around the tuber clump with a pitchfork, starting well away from the central stem to avoid damage. Once lifted, gently rinse off excess soil, taking care not to puncture the skin. After cleaning, air dry tubers for several days to a week in a cool, dark location with good air circulation, away from direct sunlight. This curing prevents rot during storage.
Store dried tubers in a cool, dark, frost-free environment (40-50°F / 4-10°C), such as an unheated basement. Ideal humidity is 80-90%. Store tubers in cardboard boxes, plastic bins, or paper bags, layered with peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings to maintain moisture and prevent contact. Periodically check stored tubers for rot or shriveling, adjusting humidity if necessary.