The ‘Striped Ambition’ dahlia is a garden favorite, known for its unique beauty and striking appearance. It transforms garden beds into vibrant displays.
Distinctive Features of Striped Ambition Dahlia
The ‘Striped Ambition’ dahlia features a cactus-type flower form with pointed, inward-rolled petals. Blooms are lavender-pink or lilac-pink, streaked with irregular patterns of dark purple, measuring 12 to 14 centimeters across. It grows 90 to 120 centimeters tall and spreads 60 centimeters wide.
Successful Planting of Striped Ambition Dahlia
Plant ‘Striped Ambition’ dahlia tubers after the last frost, when soil temperature reaches 60°F (15°C). Select a location with six to eight hours of direct sunlight, ideally morning sun, and protection from strong winds. Dahlias prefer rich, well-dr aining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Loosen soil to 12 inches deep and amend heavy clay soils with compost or aged manure to improve drainage and aeration.
Dig a hole 4 to 6 inches deep, placing the tuber horizontally with its “eye” facing upwards. Cover with 2 to 3 inches of soil initially, then gradually fill as the sprout emerges. Space tubers 12 to 24 inches apart for mature growth and air circulation. Avoid watering immediately; wait until green shoots appear to prevent tuber rot.
Ongoing Care for Robust Growth and Blooms
Once ‘Striped Ambition’ dahlias establish, consistent watering is important. Provide deep watering two to three times per week, especially during dry periods, ensuring moisture reaches 8 to 10 inches deep. Dahlias benefit from a low-nitrogen, balanced fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10 ratio) applied every three to four weeks 30 days after planting. Excess nitrogen encourages leafy growth over blooms.
Pinching growing tips when the plant reaches 10 to 16 inches tall with at least four sets of leaves encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Remove the uppermost sprout to stimulate lateral branching. Regular deadheading promotes continuous flowering by redirecting plant energy to new buds. Due to their height, ‘Striped Ambition’ dahlias require staking to prevent stems from breaking under bloom weight or wind. Install stakes at planting time, 3 inches from the tuber, and tie growing stems as the plant grows.
Harvesting and Enjoying Your Dahlia Blooms
To maximize vase life, harvest ‘Striped Ambition’ dahlia blooms in early morning or late evening when most hydrated. Cut stems when blooms are nearly or fully open, as dahlia flowers do not open much further once cut. Use sharp, clean shears to cut long, ideally above a leaf node, to encourage more flowering stems.
After cutting, immediately place stems into warm water for conditioning. Remove any foliage below the waterline to prevent bacterial growth and keep water clean. Adding a commercial flower preservative or a homemade solution (sugar, bleach, lemon juice) extends freshness. Dahlias last five to seven days in a vase with proper conditioning and regular water changes.
Overwintering Striped Ambition Dahlia Tubers
In regions with freezing winter temperatures, ‘Striped Ambition’ dahlia tubers must be dug up and stored for frost protection. This occurs after the first hard frost blackens foliage, signaling dormancy. Carefully lift tubers, avoiding damage. Gently shake off excess soil; if washed, ensure thorough drying to prevent rot.
Air dry tubers for 12 to 24 hours in a warm, dry, shaded area with air circulation until the skin slightly wrinkles. Inspect for damaged or diseased sections and discard them. Store healthy tubers in a cool, dark, frost-free location (40-45°F / 4-7°C, 80-90% humidity). Place them in perforated crates or boxes layered with peat moss, vermiculite, sawdust, or wood shavings to maintain moisture and prevent contact.
Addressing Common Dahlia Challenges
‘Striped Ambition’ dahlias encounter various pests and diseases, though proactive measures help manage them. Common pests include aphids, slugs, earwigs, and spider mites. Aphids and spider mites, which suck plant sap, are managed with insecticidal soaps or by regularly spraying foliage with water. Slugs and snails, problematic for young shoots, are deterred with organic repellents or by maintaining a dry soil surface.
Fungal issues like powdery mildew and botrytis (gray mold) appear, especially in humid conditions or with poor air circulation. Prevent these by ensuring adequate spacing and avoiding overhead watering late in the day. Promptly remove affected plant parts to limit spread. Tuber rot, often caused by overwatering, is prevented by well-draining soil and waiting for shoots to emerge before regular watering.