The Purple Flame Dahlia is a popular choice for gardens, known for its unique and vibrant appearance. Its striking coloration and distinctive form add beauty to any landscape, creating a visual impact throughout the blooming season.
Understanding the Purple Flame Dahlia
The Purple Flame Dahlia features deep purples, reds, and fiery streaks on its petals. Blooms are 4 to 6 inches in diameter. Plants reach 3 to 5.5 feet tall, supported by strong, dark stems and dark green or bronze-tinted foliage. It is classified as an informal decorative or decorative dahlia, noted for its slightly inrolled petals and overall elegant form.
Planting Purple Flame Dahlias
Plant Purple Flame Dahlias in late spring, after frost danger has passed and soil temperature reaches at least 60°F (15°C). These dahlias thrive in full sun, ideally 6 to 8 hours daily; afternoon shade may be beneficial in hot climates. Prepare the planting site with well-draining, fertile soil. Amend heavy clay or dry soil with compost, well-rotted manure, or a balanced organic fertilizer. Loosen the soil to a depth of 10 to 12 inches.
Dig a hole 4 to 6 inches deep and place the tuber horizontally with the “eye” facing upwards. Space tubers 12 to 18 inches apart for adequate growth and air circulation. After covering the tuber with a few inches of soil, avoid immediate watering to prevent rot. Water only after green sprouts emerge, then gradually fill in the remaining soil around the growing stem.
Caring for Purple Flame Dahlias
Consistent moisture is important for Purple Flame Dahlias, especially during dry spells. Water deeply once or twice a week, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Avoid overhead watering, which encourages fungal diseases; water directly at the soil level. Fertilize every 3 to 4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer to encourage blooming. Reduce fertilization as autumn approaches to prepare the plant for dormancy.
Due to their potential height, staking or providing support is recommended to prevent stems from breaking, especially in windy conditions. Insert stakes at planting time to avoid damaging the tubers later, and tie stems to the support as the plant grows. Regular deadheading, which involves removing spent flowers, is beneficial as it encourages the plant to produce more blooms throughout the season. Pinching back the main stem when the plant is about 12 inches tall can promote bushier growth and more flowers.
Addressing Common Issues
Purple Flame Dahlias can encounter issues such as a lack of blooms, often due to insufficient light or over-fertilization, particularly with high-nitrogen feeds; ensuring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily and using a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer can help resolve this. Pests like slugs, earwigs, and aphids can affect dahlias. Remedies such as hand-picking slugs or using insecticidal soap for aphids can help manage these infestations. Fungal diseases like powdery mildew can occur, especially in humid conditions, and ensuring good air circulation around plants and avoiding overhead watering can aid in prevention.
Overwintering Purple Flame Dahlia Tubers
In colder climates (USDA Zones 7 and below), Purple Flame Dahlia tubers are not hardy and require lifting and storing indoors for winter; wait until after the first hard frost has blackened the foliage, as this allows the tubers to mature and store more energy. Carefully dig up the tubers, being mindful not to damage them, and gently remove excess soil; some gardeners choose to wash the tubers, while others prefer to leave some soil on them. After digging, allow the tubers to cure for a few days to a week in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area, ideally between 60-70°F (15-21°C), to allow any wounds to heal; once cured, store the tubers in a cool, dark, and dry location, such as a basement or unheated garage, where temperatures remain consistently between 40-50°F (4-10°C) with moderate humidity. Pack them in a medium like peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings to help regulate moisture and prevent shriveling or rot, and check on the tubers periodically throughout the winter, removing any that show signs of rot or mold.