The ‘Pink Magic Dahlia’ is a captivating addition to any garden, known for its vibrant blooms. These plants provide abundant floral displays from midsummer until the first frost.
What Makes Pink Magic Dahlia Unique?
The ‘Pink Magic Dahlia’ captivates with its distinct double flowers, with a decorative or waterlily form. These striking blooms measure 5 inches (12 cm) in diameter. Each petal showcases a blend of tender rose and violet pink shades, often accented with deeper pink veins and a vibrant yellow center.
The plant reaches 70 to 80 cm (2.3 to 2.6 feet) tall. Its robust stems make it a favored choice for cut flower arrangements, adding visual structure to bouquets. These dahlias provide a continuous display of blooms from midsummer through fall, often lasting until the first hard frost.
Planting Pink Magic Dahlia
Proper site selection and soil preparation are key for ‘Pink Magic Dahlia’. Dahlias thrive in full sun, receiving 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily and protection from strong winds. The soil should be well-draining, rich in organic matter, and have a pH between 6.5 and 7.0.
Amend soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and nutrient content. Plant tubers after the last spring frost, once soil temperature consistently reaches 60°F (15°C). Dig a hole 4 to 6 inches deep, placing the tuber with the “eye” facing upwards, and covering with 2 to 3 inches of soil. Water minimally after planting, then again once new growth appears, to prevent tuber rot.
Ongoing Care for Pink Magic Dahlia
Consistent moisture is important throughout the growing season. Once green shoots emerge, water deeply once or twice a week, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. More frequent watering may be necessary during hot, dry weather.
Regular feeding supports prolific blooming. A fertilizer low in nitrogen but higher in phosphorus and potassium (e.g., 5-10-10 or 10-20-20) is recommended. Apply fertilizer about 30 days after planting, then monthly or every 3-4 weeks until autumn, avoiding overfeeding. Taller varieties require staking to support stems and large blooms, preventing them from falling over. Insert sturdy stakes (5-6 feet tall) at planting time to avoid later tuber damage, tying stems as the plant grows.
Regular deadheading (removing spent flowers) encourages more blooms throughout the season. This practice redirects the plant’s energy from seed production to continuous flowering. Pinching back the main shoot when the plant reaches 50 cm (20 inches) or has 3-4 sets of leaves encourages bushier growth and more flowers.
Winter Care and Tuber Storage
In colder climates (below USDA Zones 8-10), ‘Pink Magic Dahlias’ are treated as annuals, requiring tubers to be dug up and stored indoors for winter. Begin this process a few days after the first hard frost blackens foliage, but before a deep freeze. Cut stalks back to 4-6 inches from the ground before carefully excavating tubers to avoid damage.
After digging, gently remove excess soil and air dry tubers for 24 hours under cover. Once dried, store tubers in a cool, dark, dry, frost-free location, ideally between 40-50°F (5-10°C). Store them in cardboard boxes or crates, nestled in materials like peat moss, vermiculite, or sand to regulate humidity and prevent rot or excessive drying. Periodically checking tubers throughout winter for signs of rot or shriveling is beneficial.
Troubleshooting Common Pink Magic Dahlia Problems
Common issues include pests and diseases. Slugs and earwigs frequently damage young foliage and buds. Aphids, thrips, spider mites, and leafhoppers can cause distorted growth and discoloration. Organic control methods like insecticidal soap, neem oil, or hand-picking can help manage these pests.
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew, appearing as a whitish coating on leaves, are common in warm, humid conditions. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent this. Stem rot, often due to poorly drained or overly wet soil, causes mushy stems. If dahlias fail to bloom, common reasons include too much nitrogen fertilizer, insufficient sunlight, or infrequent deadheading. Addressing these factors promotes a healthy, productive dahlia plant.