The ‘Pacific Jewel’ Dahlia features striking blooms with a captivating blend of pink, peach, and yellow tones. These large, fully double flowers, often 3 to 4 inches across, have broad, pinkish-white petals accented with deeper pink bands. Their dark stems and dark green foliage create a visual contrast. Gardeners choose this dahlia for its ability to create a focal point in garden beds and its suitability for cut flower arrangements.
Planting Pacific Jewel Dahlias
Plant Pacific Jewel Dahlia tubers in a site receiving full sun, ideally six to eight hours daily. A sheltered location protects large blooms and stems from strong winds. Prepare the soil by digging 8 to 12 inches deep and amending the planting hole with compost to improve drainage and provide organic matter. Avoid soggy soil, which can lead to tuber rot.
When planting, position tubers 3 to 6 inches deep with the ‘eye’ facing upwards. Space them 12 to 24 inches apart for adequate growth and air circulation. Water sparingly until sprouts emerge, which may take up to five weeks, then gradually increase watering.
Ongoing Care for Pacific Jewel Dahlias
Light Requirements
Pacific Jewel Dahlias require ample sunlight for robust growth and abundant flowering. They need a minimum of six hours of direct sun exposure daily, with eight or more hours ensuring the most vigorous plants and highest quantity of blooms. In warmer climates, light afternoon shade can be tolerated.
Watering Practices
Consistent moisture is important for Pacific Jewel Dahlias, especially during dry periods. Once established, plants need regular, deep watering, two to three times per week. Ensure the soil is thoroughly moistened but not waterlogged, allowing the top layer to dry slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to tuber rot and fungal issues. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses effectively deliver water directly to the root zone, minimizing foliage moisture and preventing diseases.
Soil Needs
Pacific Jewel Dahlias thrive in well-drained loamy soil enriched with organic matter. While they tolerate various soil types, good drainage is essential. Incorporating compost improves soil structure, drainage, and nutrient supply. Mulching around plants helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilization
Once established, Pacific Jewel Dahlias benefit from regular fertilization. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer, as too much nitrogen promotes leafy growth over flowers. A fertilizer with a higher percentage of potassium and phosphorus is suitable, such as a ratio where nitrogen is half of the other two numbers.
Begin fertilizing about 30 days after planting, continuing every three to four weeks throughout the growing season. Container-grown dahlias may need more frequent fertilization, every two to three weeks, due to nutrient leaching. Processed steer or cow manure can also enrich the soil as a top dressing or pre-planting amendment.
Promoting Abundant Blooms and Healthy Growth
To encourage abundant blooms and robust growth, several practices are beneficial.
Deadheading
Deadheading, the removal of spent flowers, prolongs the flowering period. This redirects the plant’s energy from seed production towards developing new buds and blooms.
Pinching
Pinching back young dahlia plants promotes bushier growth and increases flower count. Perform this when the plant reaches 10 to 12 inches tall with at least four sets of leaves on its main stem. Snipping off the uppermost sprout encourages multiple lateral shoots, resulting in a fuller plant with more flowering stems. While pinching may delay first blooms by a week or two, it leads to a stronger plant with increased flower production.
Staking
Staking is necessary for tall dahlias like Pacific Jewel, especially those with large, heavy blooms, to prevent stems from breaking or drooping. Place stakes near the plant at planting time to avoid damaging tubers later. As the plant grows, loosely tie its main stems to the stake for support. For larger plants or rows, the ‘corral method’ using twine and posts provides collective support.
Winter Care and Storage
In regions with freezing winters, Pacific Jewel Dahlia tubers must be lifted and stored. Begin after the first hard frost, which signals dormancy. Cut back foliage to a few inches above ground, then carefully dig up tubers, avoiding damage.
Gently remove excess soil; tubers can be rinsed, taking care not to puncture their skin. Dry tubers for several days to a week in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and freezing temperatures. This curing period helps prevent rot during storage.
Store dried tubers in a container with a medium like peat moss, vermiculite, or sawdust, ensuring tubers do not touch. The ideal storage is a cool, dark, frost-free area between 40-50°F (4-10°C) with moderate humidity. Periodically check tubers throughout winter, removing any showing signs of rot or shriveling.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Pacific Jewel Dahlias can encounter common pests and diseases, though proactive measures help prevent issues.
Pests
Slugs and snails are problematic early in the growing season, damaging tender young shoots. Apply bait or create physical barriers for protection. Other insects include aphids, spider mites, earwigs, and thrips.
Aphids and spider mites are sap-sucking pests causing leaf yellowing or distortion, with spider mites also creating webbing. Earwigs chew on buds and flowers, while thrips cause bloom discoloration and distortion. Regular inspection and, if needed, insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils manage these pests.
Diseases
Powdery mildew is a common fungal issue appearing as a white coating on leaves, especially in warm, humid conditions. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering help prevent its spread. Botrytis blight, or gray mold, occurs in cloudy, wet weather, causing brown spots and fuzzy mold on flowers and leaves. Prompt removal of infected parts contains this disease.
Root or stem rot results from overwatering or poorly drained soil, leading to mushy stems and wilting. Proper soil preparation and careful watering are effective preventative measures. Viral diseases, like Dahlia Mosaic Virus, cause leaf mottling and distortion and are often spread by aphids, highlighting the importance of pest control.