The Lake Michigan Dahlia is a popular choice for gardeners, known for its visually striking blooms. This dahlia variety offers a unique aesthetic that enhances garden spaces. Its distinct coloration and form make it a favored option for adding vibrant and elegant floral displays.
Distinctive Qualities of Lake Michigan Dahlia
The Lake Michigan Dahlia is an Informal Decorative Dahlia. Its 5-inch blossoms feature a creamy white base with delicate violet-pink brushstrokes and a pale yellow center, creating a glowing appearance. These distinctive colors, resembling a sunrise or sunset, make the dahlia a standout. Its unique color combination and bloom size contribute to its visual appeal. The plant typically reaches 24 to 48 inches (60-120 cm) tall, offering a fresh look for summer bouquets.
Planting and Site Selection
Successful growth of the Lake Michigan Dahlia begins with proper planting and site selection. These dahlias thrive in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal blooming. The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter.
Plant tubers after the last frost, when the ground temperature reaches at least 60°F (15°C). Dig a hole 4 to 6 inches deep, placing the tuber horizontally with the “eye” facing upwards. Space individual tubers 18 to 24 inches apart for adequate growth and air circulation.
Cultivation and Ongoing Maintenance
Consistent moisture is important for Lake Michigan Dahlias once they have sprouted. After initial planting, avoid watering until sprouts emerge, as too much moisture can cause tubers to rot. Once established and 6 to 8 inches tall, water plants regularly and deeply, especially during dry periods.
Fertilization supports vigorous growth and abundant blooms. A low-nitrogen fertilizer, often called a bloom food, is suitable for dahlias, with higher phosphorus and potassium content, such as 5-10-10 or 10-20-20. Apply fertilizer 30 days after planting and every three to four weeks throughout the growing season. Staking is often necessary for taller dahlia varieties to support their large blooms and stems. Deadheading, which involves removing spent flowers, encourages the plant to produce more blooms.
Preparing for Winter
In regions with cold winters (USDA Hardiness Zones 7 and below), Lake Michigan Dahlia tubers must be lifted and stored indoors. Wait until after the first hard killing frost, which signals the plant to enter dormancy. After the foliage has been blackened by frost, cut stems back to 4 to 6 inches.
Carefully dig around the tuber clump and gently lift them from the soil, avoiding damage. Brush off excess dirt, but avoid washing them vigorously, as this can introduce fungi. Allow tubers to dry in a cool, dark place for a few days to a week before storing. Store dried tubers in a cool, dark, and dry location with temperatures between 40-50°F (4-10°C) and around 70-85% humidity, often in boxes with vermiculite, peat moss, or wood shavings.