Kordessa Dahlias, with their captivating blooms, offer a vibrant addition to any garden space, providing consistent color throughout warmer months. Their striking appearance makes them a popular choice for garden beds and floral arrangements.
Meet the Kordessa Dahlia
Kordessa Dahlias are known for their radiant floral characteristics. Their medium-sized blooms typically measure 3 to 4 inches in diameter, though some can reach 4 to 6 inches. These flowers present a warm, two-toned blend: a rich pink with a soft gradient of deeper orange towards the center, complemented by an inner ring of almost lemon-yellow petals. This collarette dahlia boasts a distinctive two-layered petal structure, with a central ring of shorter, frilly petals contrasting the larger outer petals.
The plant reaches a moderate height of 2.5 to 3 feet (up to 1.2 meters), making it an excellent choice for mid-border plantings or container gardens. Its deep green, finely serrated foliage offers a lush backdrop to the bright, continuous blooms from mid-summer until the first frost.
Planting Kordessa Dahlias
Kordessa Dahlia tubers should be planted outdoors after the last frost, when soil temperature consistently reaches 60°F (15°C). Select a site that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for robust growth and abundant flowering. Kordessa Dahlias prefer rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Amending the planting area with well-rotted compost or aged manure improves soil structure and fertility.
When planting, dig a hole 4 to 6 inches deep to accommodate the tuber. Position the tuber horizontally with the “eye,” or growing point, facing upwards. Gently cover the tuber with a few inches of soil. Space individual tubers 12 to 18 inches apart for adequate air circulation, which helps prevent fungal issues as plants mature. Avoid watering immediately after planting unless the soil is exceptionally dry, as excess moisture can lead to tuber rot before growth begins.
Caring for Kordessa Dahlias
Once Kordessa Dahlias sprout and establish, consistent deep watering is necessary, typically 2 to 3 times per week, ensuring moisture reaches deeper roots. In hotter, drier climates, watering frequency may need to increase. Fertilization supports vigorous growth and prolific blooming. Apply a low-nitrogen, liquid fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10 or 10-20-20) every three to four weeks from sprouting until early autumn to encourage flower production.
Given their moderate height and bloom weight, Kordessa Dahlias benefit from staking. Install sturdy supports like bamboo canes or metal rods at planting time to prevent root disturbance and provide stability as the plant grows. Gently tie stems to stakes using soft material to avoid damage. Regularly remove spent blooms (deadheading) to redirect energy into new flowers, extending the blooming period. Inspect plants for common pests (aphids, slugs) and diseases (powdery mildew) for timely intervention with appropriate controls to maintain plant health.
Overwintering Kordessa Dahlias
In colder climates where ground freezes, overwintering Kordessa Dahlia tubers ensures their return the following spring. After the first killing frost turns foliage brown or black, wait one to two weeks before digging up tubers. This curing period allows tuber skins to toughen for storage. Carefully cut stems back to 4 to 6 inches from the ground, then gently loosen soil around the tuber clump with a digging fork, taking care not to damage tubers.
Once unearthed, gently brush off excess soil from the tubers. Allow tubers to dry or cure in a cool, dark place for several days, placing them upside down in open paper bags or crates to drain moisture. Store dried tubers in a cool, dark, frost-free environment, ideally between 38-50°F (4-10°C), with 75-85% relative humidity. Suitable storage mediums include peat moss, vermiculite, or layers of newspaper in cardboard boxes or plastic bins, ensuring good air circulation and that tubers do not touch. Regularly check stored tubers throughout winter for signs of mold, rot, or shriveling, adjusting conditions as needed.