The ‘Liquid Desire’ dahlia is a unique variety that brings a striking appearance to any garden. Its distinct coloration and form make it an appealing choice for enhancing borders, containers, and cut flower arrangements.
Understanding Liquid Desire Dahlia
The ‘Liquid Desire’ dahlia is a collarette type, featuring a single outer ring of petals and a smaller, often ruffled, inner ring around a central disc. Its blooms display a blend of magenta-red or dark purple-pink petals that fade to softer pink or white tips. A prominent golden-yellow center provides a focal point. Bloom sizes range from 3 to 8 inches in diameter, and plant heights can vary from 2 to 50 inches.
Cultivating Liquid Desire Dahlia
Cultivating ‘Liquid Desire’ dahlias requires proper site selection. They thrive in full sun, needing at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Well-draining soil, rich in organic matter, is important, though they tolerate acidic, neutral, or alkaline pH levels. Prepare the soil by loosening it to 12 inches deep and incorporating compost or an all-purpose granular fertilizer.
Planting tubers should occur in spring after the last frost has passed and the soil temperature has warmed to at least 60°F (15°C). Tubers should be positioned 3 to 6 inches deep, with the sprout side facing upward, and spaced 12 to 24 inches apart, depending on the expected mature size. After planting, water the tubers thoroughly, then refrain from watering again until the first sprouts emerge, as overwatering at this early stage can lead to rot. Once growth appears, maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging the soil, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.
Dahlias benefit from regular feeding throughout their growing season. Apply a balanced, organic water-soluble fertilizer every three to four weeks until September to support robust growth and abundant flowering. Cease fertilization in September to prepare tubers for overwintering. Due to their potential height, support for ‘Liquid Desire’ dahlias is important to prevent stems from bending or breaking, especially as blooms develop. Install stakes or other structures early in the season when plants are young.
Maintaining Blooms and Plant Health
Maintaining ‘Liquid Desire’ dahlias involves ongoing care to encourage continuous blooms and plant health. Deadheading, the removal of spent flowers, promotes new bud formation and prevents the plant from diverting energy into seed production. Use clean, sharp garden scissors to cut faded blooms just above where the stem meets a leaf or side shoot.
Pinching back young dahlia plants is another beneficial practice that encourages bushier growth and a greater number of blooms. When the plant reaches approximately 12 inches in height, pinch off the top of the main stem. This action stimulates the development of lateral branches, leading to a more compact plant with an increased floral output.
Monitoring for common pests and diseases is also part of maintaining plant health. Dahlias are susceptible to issues such as slugs, earwigs, aphids, and spider mites. Diseases like powdery mildew can occur, particularly in dry conditions. Regular inspection of foliage helps detect problems early, allowing for timely intervention. Ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering reduces fungal diseases.
Winterizing and Tuber Storage
For gardeners in regions with cold winters (USDA Zones 3-8), lifting and storing ‘Liquid Desire’ dahlia tubers is important for their survival. The ideal time to dig tubers is after the first hard frost has blackened the foliage. Begin by cutting back the plant’s top growth, leaving about 2 to 4 inches of stem above the ground.
Carefully dig around the dahlia clump, avoiding tuber damage. Gently lift the entire clump from the soil. Allow tubers to dry for a few days in a cool, frost-free location away from direct sunlight; this curing process hardens their skin for storage. After curing, gently remove excess soil, leaving 1 to 2 inches of stem attached.
Store cleaned tubers in a ventilated container, such as a box or basket, filled with a storage medium like peat moss, wood shavings, or vermiculite. The storage location should be cool, dry, and frost-free, with an optimal temperature range of 40-50°F (4.4-10°C). Periodically inspect stored tubers throughout winter for signs of rot or shriveling, removing any affected tubers to prevent decay.