The ‘Pinkie Swear’ Dahlia is a favored selection for any garden, offering a captivating presence. Its striking blooms bring distinctive visual appeal, transforming spaces with vibrant hues and unique forms. This dahlia is celebrated for its garden impact and exceptional qualities as a cut flower, providing long-lasting beauty in floral arrangements. It consistently produces an abundance of eye-catching flowers throughout the growing season, appealing to both seasoned enthusiasts and new gardeners.
Distinctive Features
The ‘Pinkie Swear’ Dahlia is renowned for its large, dynamic blooms, classified as a decorative dinnerplate dahlia. These impressive flowers measure 7 to 9 inches (18 to 20 cm) across, creating a significant visual statement. Each petal showcases a unique, two-toned pattern, blending shades of pink from soft blush to deeper magenta and cranberry, often accented with white or even subtle yellow centers. Petals frequently display picotee edges and delicate pinstripes, giving each flower a handcrafted appearance, ensuring no two blooms are truly exactly alike.
The plant grows to a substantial height, reaching 36 to 47 inches (90 to 120 cm), with strong, upright stems that support the large blossoms. Its robust stature and full display of green, pinnate leaves contribute to its garden presence.
Cultivating ‘Pinkie Swear’ Dahlias
Successful cultivation of ‘Pinkie Swear’ Dahlias requires a planting site with full sun, receiving a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for abundant blooms. Well-draining soil is equally important, as dahlias are prone to tuber rot in overly wet conditions. Before planting, prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter like well-rotted compost or aged manure to improve drainage and fertility, creating a favorable environment for tuber development and plant growth.
Plant tubers after the last spring frost, when soil temperatures have warmed to at least 60°F (15°C). Plant them 4 to 6 inches deep and 18 to 24 inches apart, ensuring the “eye” or sprout faces upwards. Due to their height and large blooms, ‘Pinkie Swear’ Dahlias benefit from staking at planting time to provide necessary support as they grow.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Once established, ‘Pinkie Swear’ Dahlias require consistent moisture, especially during dry periods and flowering. Water deeply two to three times a week, rather than frequent shallow watering, to encourage a strong root system, avoiding overwatering which can lead to tuber rot. Fertilization should begin a few weeks after planting and continue through the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer or one with lower nitrogen to promote blooms over foliage.
Pinching the central stem when the plant is 8 to 12 inches tall encourages bushier growth and more flowers by redirecting energy into side shoots. Regular deadheading, removing spent blooms, stimulates continuous flowering throughout the summer and into the fall, signaling the plant to produce new buds rather than seeds.
Overwintering Dahlia Tubers
As tender perennials, ‘Pinkie Swear’ Dahlias are not frost-hardy and require overwintering in most temperate climates (USDA Zones 3-8).
After the first hard frost blackens the foliage, carefully dig the tubers from the ground. This usually occurs from mid-autumn to early winter, depending on your region. Gently shake off excess soil, taking care not to damage them.
Clean the tubers by rinsing with water, then allow them to air dry in a cool, well-ventilated area for several days to cure. Once cured, store them in a cool, dark, and frost-free location, ideally between 40-50°F (4-10°C), with moderate humidity. They can be placed in crates or cardboard boxes, nestled in a medium like peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings to prevent desiccation and maintain viability until the next planting season.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Gardeners may encounter issues when growing ‘Pinkie Swear’ Dahlias, such as a lack of blooms. This can often be attributed to insufficient sunlight, as dahlias require full sun exposure for optimal flowering. Too much nitrogen in the soil can also promote lush foliage at the expense of flowers; so using a fertilizer with a lower nitrogen ratio is beneficial.
Pests like slugs and earwigs can damage young plants and flowers; trapping or hand-picking can help manage these. Thrips and spider mites may appear, especially in hot, dry conditions; a strong spray of water or application of insecticidal soap can deter them.
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew, appearing as white spots on leaves, can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. Botrytis, or gray mold, can affect blooms in damp conditions; removing affected parts and improving air flow are key preventative measures.