The ‘Ruth Ann’ dahlia is a popular choice for gardens, known for its captivating presence and beautiful blooms. Its consistent growth and unique aesthetic enhance floral displays. Understanding its specific needs and general dahlia care practices ensures a rewarding growing experience.
Ruth Ann Dahlia Characteristics
The ‘Ruth Ann’ dahlia typically produces medium-sized blooms, measuring around 4 inches in diameter. Its coloring is described as a golden orange that gradually deepens to a pinker orange as the petals unfurl, sometimes even resembling a pumpkin orange. This dahlia is classified as a Miniature Formal Decorative type, known for its strong stems and tidy growth habit. The plant generally reaches a height of 4 to 4.5 feet, with glossy, medium green foliage that provides a lush backdrop for the vibrant flowers. It is also noted for being a good choice for cut flowers, often blooming into November.
Planting Ruth Ann Dahlias
Plant ‘Ruth Ann’ dahlia tubers in spring, after the last frost and when the soil has warmed. Choose a location with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering. Dahlias thrive in rich, well-draining soil with ample organic matter and a neutral to slightly acidic pH of around 6.5. Amend heavy clay soil with compost, peat moss, or sand to improve drainage and prevent tuber rot.
Dig a hole 4 to 6 inches deep and place the tuber with the “eye” facing upwards. Mixing compost into the hole can be beneficial, but avoid excessive fertilization, especially with high nitrogen products. Cover the tuber with 2 to 3 inches of soil. Do not water immediately after planting unless the soil is very dry; wait until sprouts appear above ground to begin regular watering.
Ongoing Care for Ruth Ann Dahlias
Watering
Established ‘Ruth Ann’ dahlias require consistent watering, especially during dry spells. Once sprouts are 8-12 inches tall, deep water 2-3 times per week, ensuring moisture reaches 8-10 inches deep. Container dahlias need more frequent watering, possibly daily, as their soil dries faster. Avoid overhead watering on larger plants to minimize fungal disease risk. Always check soil moisture, watering when the top 2-3 inches feel dry.
Fertilization
Fertilization promotes vigorous growth and abundant blooms, as dahlias are heavy feeders. After sprouting, ‘Ruth Ann’ dahlias benefit from a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10). Apply fertilizer every 3-4 weeks for in-ground plants, or every 2-3 weeks for container-grown dahlias, starting about 30 days after planting. Over-fertilizing with nitrogen can lead to lush foliage but fewer flowers and weaker tubers.
Staking
Staking is important for ‘Ruth Ann’ dahlias due to their 4 to 4.5-foot height and large blooms, which can cause stems to break. Install sturdy wooden or metal stakes when planting to avoid damaging tubers later. Position the stake about 3 inches from the plant’s center and secure growing stems to the support as they lengthen, allowing some slack. For multiple plants, a corral system using posts and twine provides collective support.
Deadheading
Deadheading, the removal of spent blooms, encourages continuous flowering and maintains plant vigor. When a flower fades, cut the stem just above the nearest set of leaves or a new bud. This prevents the plant from expending energy on seed production, redirecting it towards new flowers. Regularly removing old flowers also keeps the plant tidy and can reduce hiding spots for pests.
Pest and Disease Prevention
‘Ruth Ann’ dahlias can attract common garden pests like aphids, spider mites, slugs, and earwigs. Aphids feed on plant sap, causing distorted leaves and honeydew; dislodge them with a strong water stream or insecticidal soaps. Slugs and snails damage young plants; manage them by keeping soil dry and using baits or barriers.
Spider mites cause stippling and bronzing on leaves, thriving in hot, dry conditions; deter them with regular watering and by spraying leaf undersides. Earwigs chew on leaves and flower buds; manage them with damp newspaper traps.
Common dahlia diseases include powdery mildew, a fungal issue appearing as a white coating on leaves, and various viral diseases. Powdery mildew is often cosmetic but can be managed with fungicides or improved airflow. Viral diseases, like Dahlia Mosaic Virus, cause leaf distortion and reduced flower quality, often spread by sap-sucking insects. Infected plants with viral issues cannot be cured and should be removed to prevent spread. Ensure good air circulation and avoid excessive foliage moisture for general disease prevention.
Winter Tuber Storage
In cold winter regions (USDA Hardiness Zones 3-7), ‘Ruth Ann’ dahlia tubers must be dug up and stored indoors to survive dormancy. The ideal time is after the first hard frost, signaling the plant to enter dormancy. Carefully dig up the clump, gently removing excess soil. Tubers can be washed or brushed clean, especially if the soil is sandy.
After digging, cure tubers for one to two days in a warm, dry location to toughen the skin and reduce rot risk. Store tubers in a cool, dark, frost-free environment, ideally 40-50°F (4-10°C) with 80-90% humidity. Use cardboard boxes or plastic containers, layering tubers with peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings to maintain moisture. Regularly inspect stored tubers throughout winter, removing any showing rot or shriveling, and adjust humidity as needed.