The ‘Snowflake Dahlia’ is a popular choice for its elegant, pristine white blooms, which add beauty to garden beds, borders, or containers. This variety flowers abundantly throughout the growing season.
Snowflake Dahlia Characteristics
Snowflake Dahlias feature white blooms, sometimes with a creamy center. These flowers typically display a pompon or waterlily form, with tightly inrolled petals creating a spherical shape. Individual blooms generally measure 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches) in diameter.
The plant itself reaches a mature height of approximately 80 to 100 centimeters (32 to 39 inches), with a spread of around 50 centimeters (20 inches). Its mid-green foliage provides a contrasting backdrop to the bright white flowers. ‘Snowflake Dahlias’ typically begin blooming in early summer and continue to produce flowers until the first frost of autumn.
Cultivating Snowflake Dahlias
Planting
Plant ‘Snowflake Dahlia’ tubers after the last frost, typically April to May, once the soil has warmed. Select a location with full sun for at least six to eight hours daily. Well-draining, fertile soil is necessary to prevent tuber rot; amend with compost or well-rotted manure to enhance soil structure and nutrient content.
Dig a hole 10 to 12 centimeters (4 to 5 inches) deep, placing the tuber with the ‘eye’ facing upwards if visible. Space tubers 30 to 50 centimeters (12 to 20 inches) apart. After planting, avoid heavy initial watering; a slightly damp soil is ideal to prevent tuber rot.
Ongoing Care
Once sprouts emerge, maintain consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Deep watering (15 to 25 centimeters or 6 to 10 inches) is more effective than frequent shallow watering. While full sun is ideal, ‘Snowflake Dahlias’ can tolerate some partial shade, though bloom production might be reduced.
For abundant blooming, use a balanced fertilizer with lower nitrogen and higher phosphorus and potassium. Apply every few weeks, starting about 30 days after planting. Over-fertilizing, especially with high nitrogen, can lead to excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.
Support and Deadheading
Due to their height and prolific blooms, ‘Snowflake Dahlias’ often need support to prevent stems from breaking. Stake or use tomato cages when planting to provide stability as the plant grows. Pinch the main shoot when the plant is 25 to 40 centimeters (10 to 16 inches) tall to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.
Regular deadheading is important for continuous flowering. This redirects the plant’s energy from seed production to new flowers. Cut faded flowers at the intersection of the stem and the first set of leaves to promote new growth.
Winterizing Dahlia Tubers
In regions with freezing ground temperatures, lift and store ‘Snowflake Dahlia’ tubers indoors for winter. After the first hard frost blackens foliage, cut stalks back to a few inches above the soil line and wait about 10 days for tubers to cure. Carefully dig up clumps, starting at least 30 centimeters (12 inches) away from the stem to avoid damage.
Brush off excess soil and air dry tubers for several days in a cool, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Once dry, inspect and remove any diseased or damaged tubers. Store clean, healthy tubers in a cool, dark, dry location (4 to 10 degrees Celsius or 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit) in a medium like peat moss, sawdust, or vermiculite. Ensure air circulation and check periodically for rot or shriveling.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Lack of blooms often stems from insufficient sunlight, over-fertilization with nitrogen, or inconsistent watering. Leggy growth indicates inadequate light. Ensure at least six hours of direct sun and use a low-nitrogen fertilizer.
Pests like slugs and snails can damage young plants; manage them with regular inspection and organic repellents. Aphids on new growth can be dislodged with a strong water spray or insecticidal soap. Powdery mildew is common; ensure good air circulation. Excessive heat can also impact plant vigor, requiring consistent deep watering.