The ‘October Sky’ Dahlia is a highly sought-after variety, known for its distinctive and captivating blooms. Its vibrant colors and elegant form bring striking visual appeal to any garden.
Understanding October Sky Dahlia
The ‘October Sky’ Dahlia produces decorative blooms, typically 5 inches across. These flowers display sunset hues, blending soft orange into golden yellow at the center. Some also feature ombre yellow and pink petals, with colors intensifying as they mature. The plants are robust and upright, reaching 4 to 6 feet tall. This dahlia offers continuous color from summer until the first autumn frost.
Planting and Growing
Choosing a Location
For successful cultivation, select an appropriate site. ‘October Sky’ Dahlias need full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Good air circulation is also beneficial. In regions with intense summer heat, afternoon shade can protect foliage and blooms from scorching.
Preparing the Soil
Dahlias prefer rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Amend beds with 2 to 4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure and fertility. Loosen the soil to a depth of 10 to 12 inches to allow for tuber and root development.
Planting the Tubers
Plant ‘October Sky’ Dahlia tubers in spring after frost danger has passed and soil temperature is above 60°F (15°C). Dig a 4 to 6-inch deep hole and place the tuber horizontally, with the “eye” facing upwards. Cover with a few inches of soil. Space tubers 18 to 24 inches apart for ample growth.
Watering and Fertilizing
After planting, avoid watering until green shoots emerge; overwatering can lead to tuber rot. Once shoots appear, maintain consistent moisture by watering deeply. Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer when new growth is visible and continue applications throughout the season. Amending the soil with compost provides steady nutrient release.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Staking and Support
Due to their height (4 to 6 feet), ‘October Sky’ Dahlias often require support to prevent brittle stems from breaking under the weight of blooms or strong winds. Individual 6-foot hardwood stakes can be positioned 3 inches from the center stem and driven 12 inches deep. As the plant grows, tie stems to the stake every 12 to 18 inches, allowing slight slack. For multiple plants, the “corral” method using T-posts and twine provides collective support.
Deadheading
Regular deadheading encourages continuous blooming and maintains plant vigor. Removing spent flowers redirects energy from seed production to new blooms, extending the flowering period. This also keeps the plant tidy and reduces hiding spots for pests like earwigs and slugs. To deadhead, cut the stem just above the first set of healthy leaves or a new bud with sharp shears.
Pest and Disease Management
Dahlias are susceptible to pests like slugs, snails, aphids, earwigs, and spider mites. Slugs and snails, damaging to young plants, can be managed with barriers like copper tape or diatomaceous earth. Aphids, which cluster on new growth, are controlled with insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or natural predators like ladybugs. Earwigs are deterred by keeping the garden tidy and removing plant debris.
For spider mites, regular misting and applications of insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils are beneficial. Powdery mildew, a common fungal disease, can be treated with a baking soda solution. Maintaining healthy soil and good air circulation are important preventative measures.
Winterizing and Storage
In colder climates where the ground freezes, ‘October Sky’ Dahlia tubers cannot overwinter and must be dug up and stored. The ideal time is after the first hard frost blackens the foliage. Carefully dig up tubers, starting 12 inches from the stem to avoid damage. After digging, wash off excess soil.
Allow cleaned tubers to dry for several days to a week in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location away from direct sunlight. Once dry, store tubers in a cool, dark, dry place above freezing (40-50°F / 4-10°C), with 75-85% humidity. Suitable storage mediums include peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings, which help maintain moisture and prevent tubers from touching. Periodically inspect stored tubers, removing any showing signs of rot or shriveling, and adjust humidity if necessary.