The ‘Orange Impact’ Dahlia captivates with its vibrant hues and striking form, making it a popular choice for gardeners. Its intense orange blooms create a bold visual statement, transforming any garden space and providing a dazzling display throughout its blooming season.
Distinctive Features of Orange Impact Dahlia
The ‘Orange Impact’ Dahlia is a fimbriata type, characterized by its fringed, double flowers with petals that are delicately split and lightly twisted at the edges, creating a frizzy appearance. These blooms feature layers of high-energy orange petals, making a bold visual statement. Individual blooms can reach approximately 3.5 inches wide.
This dahlia exhibits an upright growth habit, reaching a mature height of 27 to 48 inches, though it can extend up to 62 inches in optimal growing conditions. Its spread can be around 18 to 24 inches, contributing to a bushy form. ‘Orange Impact’ blooms heavily from summer through mid-fall, often continuing its display until the first frost.
Planting Orange Impact Dahlias
Planting ‘Orange Impact’ Dahlia tubers should occur in the spring after all danger of frost has passed, when the soil has warmed sufficiently. A sunny location receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal for robust growth and abundant blooms. Well-draining, rich, and porous soil is preferred; incorporating organic amendments like compost, peat moss, or ground bark can improve soil structure in heavy clay or sandy conditions.
When planting, dig a hole approximately 3 to 6 inches deep, ensuring it is wide enough to accommodate the tuber. Place the tuber horizontally with any visible “eyes” or growth points facing upwards. Space individual tubers about 12 to 24 inches apart, allowing ample room for mature plant development. After covering the tubers gently with soil, water thoroughly at planting, but avoid overwatering until green shoots emerge, as too much moisture can lead to tuber rot.
Essential Care for Orange Impact Dahlias
Consistent watering is essential for ‘Orange Impact’ Dahlias once established, especially during dry periods. Provide about one inch of water per week, though hot climates may require more frequent watering. Water deeply two to three times a week to encourage strong root development. Avoid overwatering, as dahlias do not thrive in consistently wet soil.
Fertilization supports vigorous growth and prolific blooming. A low-nitrogen fertilizer is recommended, applied about 30 days after planting and then every three to four weeks throughout the growing season. This provides phosphorus and potassium for flower production without promoting excessive foliage. Pinching the central stem when plants are 8 to 12 inches tall encourages bushier growth and more flowers.
Regular deadheading of spent blooms redirects the plant’s energy toward producing more flowers, extending the blooming season. This also helps maintain the plant’s tidy appearance. For taller varieties like ‘Orange Impact’, staking or caging may be necessary to support heavy blooms and prevent stems from breaking, especially in windy conditions. Keeping the area around the plants free of weeds ensures nutrients and water are directed to the dahlias.
Protecting Your Orange Impact Dahlias
Dahlias can encounter various pests and diseases. Slugs and snails are common early in the growing season, feeding on tender foliage and leaving irregular holes. Barriers like copper tape or diatomaceous earth, along with handpicking, can help control their populations. Aphids often cluster on new growth, causing stunted development and sticky honeydew. Insecticidal soaps or neem oil are effective treatments, and introducing natural predators like ladybugs can provide biological control.
Earwigs can chew on leaves and flower petals; manage them by keeping the garden tidy and using traps like rolled-up newspapers. Spider mites cause stippling and discoloration on leaves and can be addressed by regularly hosing down plants or applying insecticidal soaps. Prevent disease by ensuring good air circulation around plants and avoiding overhead watering, which can contribute to fungal issues like powdery mildew. Proper soil drainage also helps prevent root rot.
Overwintering Orange Impact Dahlia Tubers
In regions where winter temperatures fall below freezing (USDA Zones 3-7), ‘Orange Impact’ Dahlia tubers must be lifted and stored indoors. Dig up tubers after the first hard frost causes foliage to blacken, but before the ground freezes solid. Cut stems back to about 3 to 4 inches above the ground.
Carefully dig up the entire root ball, starting at least a foot away from the stem to avoid damaging the brittle tubers. Gently remove excess soil by shaking or lightly rinsing. After cleaning, allow the tubers to air dry and cure for several days to a few weeks in a cool, dry place with good air circulation, away from direct sunlight. Curing helps prevent rot during storage.
Once cured, store the tubers in a cool, dark, and dry location where temperatures remain consistently between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit (4-10 degrees Celsius). Place them in cardboard boxes, plastic bins, or crates, nestled in materials like peat moss or vermiculite to maintain humidity and ensure air circulation. Periodically check on the stored tubers throughout the winter, removing any that show signs of rot or shriveling.