The ‘Pacific View’ dahlia is a stunning cultivar known for its vibrant, large blooms, popular among gardeners and floral designers for its appealing colors and substantial size. This tuberous perennial offers continuous color from mid-summer until the first frost, serving as an excellent focal point in garden beds or a striking element in cut flower arrangements.
Distinctive Characteristics
‘Pacific View’ dahlias display flowers measuring 3 to 4 inches (7-10 cm) in diameter. Blooms feature warm salmon-pink petals around a vivid yellow heart. Petals are broad and slightly curved. The flowers are often described as fully double.
This dahlia forms a bushy, upright, clump-forming plant with sturdy stems. It reaches 36 to 48 inches (90-120 cm) tall and spreads 18 to 24 inches (30-60 cm). Its substantial size adds height and volume to garden beds and borders, with dark green foliage providing a rich backdrop for the bright blooms.
Planting and Site Selection
‘Pacific View’ dahlias thrive in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering. Well-drained, loamy soil is preferred, as dahlias do not tolerate waterlogged conditions. If your soil is heavy clay, amending it with compost or peat moss can significantly improve drainage.
Plant tubers in spring, after the last frost and when the soil has warmed. Plant tubers 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) deep, with the “eye” facing upward. Space tubers 18 to 24 inches (30-60 cm) apart for adequate air circulation. For taller varieties, place a stake in the hole before planting to provide support as the plant grows, preventing stem breakage.
Water after planting, especially if the soil is dry, but avoid overwatering until green shoots appear to prevent tuber rot.
Ongoing Cultivation Practices
Consistent moisture is important for ‘Pacific View’ dahlias once established. Deep water two to three times a week, more frequently during drought. Avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal diseases on foliage.
‘Pacific View’ dahlias respond well to low-nitrogen fertilizers, such as a 5-10-10 or 10-20-20 formulation. Too much nitrogen promotes leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Fertilize once per year or every few weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer after buds appear.
Regularly removing spent flowers (deadheading) encourages more blooms throughout the growing season. This redirects the plant’s energy from seed production to continuous flowering. ‘Pacific View’ dahlias can be susceptible to pests like aphids, earwigs, slugs, and spider mites, and diseases such as powdery mildew. Adequate spacing improves air circulation, which helps deter fungal issues.
Winter Tuber Care
In climates where winter temperatures drop below freezing (USDA zones 7 and below), ‘Pacific View’ dahlia tubers need to be lifted and stored indoors to protect them from frost. This process begins after the first hard frost blackens the foliage. After the frost, cut the plant stems back to 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) above ground level.
Allow cut plants to remain in the ground for a week or two to help the tubers cure. Carefully dig around the tubers with a garden fork without damaging them. Shake off excess soil, and rinse if necessary. Air dry cleaned tubers for one to two days in a cool, dry, dark, well-ventilated location before storing.
Store tubers in a cool, dark, and frost-free environment, ideally between 40-50°F (4-10°C) with 80-90% humidity. They can be placed in containers such as cardboard boxes, plastic bins, or paper bags, often layered with a medium like peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings to help regulate moisture. Check tubers periodically throughout winter for any rot or shriveling.
Multiplying Your Dahlias
Multiply ‘Pacific View’ dahlias through tuber division. This process is best performed in spring, just before planting, as the “eyes” become more visible. Each viable division requires a section of the tuber, a piece of the original stem or crown, and at least one visible eye.
Begin by cleaning the tuber clump, removing loose soil and damaged tubers. Using a sharp, clean knife or pruners, carefully cut the clump into viable divisions. Disinfecting tools between cuts with a bleach solution helps prevent disease spread. Once divided, individual tubers are ready for planting or can be stored until conditions are suitable.