The ‘Que Sera’ dahlia offers a captivating display with its unique, color-changing blooms. This variety provides consistent flowering and dynamic visual interest throughout the growing season.
Que Sera Dahlia’s Unique Beauty
The ‘Que Sera’ dahlia is an anemone-flowered type, known for its unique form and captivating color transitions. Each bloom, 4 to 6 inches wide, features a ruffled, powder-puff-like center surrounded by flatter outer petals. These outer petals are creamy white, often tipped or streaked with shades of mauve or purple, creating a striking bicolor effect.
As flowers mature and environmental conditions shift, the mauve and purple tones can intensify or subtly vary. This color fluidity means blooms on the same plant may present slight variations, offering a continuous show from mid-summer until the first frost.
Planting Your Que Sera Dahlia
Successful planting of ‘Que Sera’ dahlia tubers begins with selecting the right location. Ensure full sun exposure for at least six hours daily. The soil should be well-draining and rich in nutrients, ideally with a slightly acidic pH between 6.5 and 7. Amending the planting area with compost or well-rotted manure before planting improves soil quality and provides essential nutrients.
Planting should occur in spring after the last frost and when soil temperatures warm to at least 60°F (15°C). Dig a hole 4 to 6 inches deep, placing the tuber horizontally with the “eye” facing upwards. Space tubers 18 to 24 inches apart to allow ample room for growth and air circulation, as ‘Que Sera’ can reach 3 to 4 feet tall. After planting, gently backfill the soil, covering the tuber completely. Avoid immediate heavy watering unless the soil is very dry, as excessive moisture before sprouts emerge can lead to tuber rot.
Caring for Que Sera Dahlia
Consistent moisture is important for ‘Que Sera’ dahlias once they sprout and grow. Established plants need deep watering, typically 1 inch per week. Water two to three times weekly, ensuring water penetrates deeply to reach the tuber’s roots. During extreme heat or drought, increase watering frequency to maintain adequate moisture.
Dahlias thrive in full sun, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for abundant blooms. In regions with intense summer heat, some afternoon shade can prevent stress. Fertilization supports vigorous growth and prolific flowering; a low-nitrogen fertilizer, such as a 5-10-10 ratio, is recommended. Begin fertilizing about 30 days after planting, repeating every three to four weeks throughout the growing season. Over-fertilizing with nitrogen can result in lush foliage but fewer flowers.
As ‘Que Sera’ dahlias can grow tall, staking provides essential support to prevent stems from breaking. Install stakes at planting time to avoid damaging tubers later. Bamboo canes, metal rods, or sturdy wooden stakes positioned about 3 inches from the central stem work well; tie plants loosely as they grow. Regular deadheading, the removal of spent blooms, encourages continuous flowering. Cut faded flowers down to the nearest set of leaves to redirect the plant’s energy into producing more flowers.
Overwintering Que Sera Dahlia Tubers
In colder climates where winter temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C), ‘Que Sera’ dahlia tubers need to be lifted and stored indoors. Gardeners in warmer zones (8-10) may leave them in the ground with adequate mulching. The best time to dig up tubers is 10 to 14 days after the first hard frost, which signals the plant to prepare for dormancy.
Cut plant stems back to 4 to 6 inches above the ground. Carefully dig around the plant, lifting the tuber clump from the soil without damage. Gently rinse off excess soil with a hose. Allow tubers to dry for several hours or up to a few weeks in a well-ventilated, indirect light area to cure them and prevent rot.
Store dried tubers in a cool, dark, frost-free location, ideally between 40 to 50°F (4 to 10°C). Place them in ventilated cardboard boxes, plastic bins, or paper bags, layered with peat moss, vermiculite, or sawdust. This maintains humidity, prevents shriveling, and ensures air circulation. Periodically check stored tubers, removing any showing signs of rot.
Troubleshooting Common Dahlia Issues
Dahlias can encounter common garden problems, including pests. Slugs and snails are problematic early in the season, feeding on new foliage. Manual removal or repellents can protect young plants. Aphids and spider mites are other common pests that cause leaf discoloration and distortion. Insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils can manage these infestations.
Regarding diseases, powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves, especially in humid conditions. Ensuring good air circulation helps prevent this fungal issue. Botrytis, or gray mold, can cause buds and flowers to turn dark and develop fuzzy gray mold, particularly in wet weather. Prompt removal of affected plant parts limits its spread. Viral diseases, such as dahlia mosaic virus, cause mottled or distorted leaves; infected plants should be removed to prevent spread.