The ‘Trooper Dan’ dahlia is a popular and striking addition to garden landscapes. Gardeners seek this variety for its impressive blooms and vibrant display. Its appeal makes it a favored choice for elegant, bold color. It offers a compelling presence.
Distinctive Features of Trooper Dan Dahlia
‘Trooper Dan’ features magnificent golden-yellow blooms. As semi-cactus or dinnerplate dahlias, petals are rolled for at least half their length. Blooms reach 8 inches in diameter, creating visual impact. The plant grows 40-44 inches tall, with a stately, upright form. Its vibrant color and large petals make it a standout for borders, exhibition, or as a cut flower.
Planting Trooper Dan Dahlia
Planting ‘Trooper Dan’ dahlia tubers begins after the last spring frost, when soil temperature consistently reaches 55-60°F, similar to tomato planting. A proper location is important for healthy growth. Select a spot with full sunlight (at least six to eight hours daily) and protection from strong winds.
The soil should be well-draining, fertile, and rich in organic matter. Amending the area with compost or organic material improves soil structure, moisture retention, and provides nutrients for development. Good drainage prevents tuber rot, a common issue in wet or compacted conditions.
For planting, dig a hole 4 to 6 inches deep. Position the tuber horizontally, with the “eye” or growth point facing upwards. Due to its size, space individual tubers 18 to 24 inches apart. This spacing allows for air circulation, reduces disease, and provides room for spread. After placing the tuber, cover it gently with a few inches of soil, gradually filling the hole as the plant sprouts.
Ongoing Care for Trooper Dan Dahlia
Proper care ensures ‘Trooper Dan’ dahlias thrive. After planting, delay watering until shoots emerge to prevent tuber rot. Once growth is visible, provide deep, consistent watering (an inch per week), adjusting frequency based on weather. Water at the base using drip irrigation or a soaker hose to keep foliage dry and reduce disease.
Fertilization is important for these heavy feeders. About 30 days after planting, begin applying a low-nitrogen fertilizer, often called “bloom food,” with higher phosphorus and potassium. Formulas like 5-10-10 or 10-20-20 support flower development, not leafy growth. Repeat feeding every three to four weeks throughout the growing season.
Due to their height and size, ‘Trooper Dan’ dahlias require staking to prevent breakage. Install sturdy stakes (e.g., 6-foot wooden or rebar) 3 inches from the main stem at planting. As the plant grows, gently tie stems to the stake, allowing slack for movement. Pinching the central growing tip at 8-12 inches tall encourages a bushier plant with more flowers.
Regular deadheading of spent blooms encourages continuous flowering. Remove faded flowers by cutting the stem back to a main stem or above a leaf node where new growth develops. This redirects energy into producing new flowers, ensuring a longer, prolific display.
Winterizing Trooper Dan Dahlia Tubers
In colder climates, ‘Trooper Dan’ dahlia tubers must be dug up and stored indoors for winter. Wait until after the first hard frost has blackened the foliage, as this signals energy storage in tubers. After cutting stems back to 4-6 inches, lift tuber clumps, shaking off dirt.
Allow tubers to cure for several days in a cool, dry place with air circulation, away from direct sunlight. This toughens skin and reduces rot risk. Trim fine roots and damaged sections before storing.
Store cleaned tubers in a cool, dark, frost-free location (40-50°F / 4-10°C) with 75-90% humidity. Pack them in absorbent material (peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings) in breathable containers (cardboard boxes or crates). Periodically check tubers, removing any showing rot or shriveling.
Common Issues and Solutions
‘Trooper Dan’ dahlias can encounter challenges. If plants produce abundant foliage but few flowers, it indicates insufficient sunlight or excessive nitrogen. Ensure six hours of direct sun daily and use a low-nitrogen bloom formula. Lack of consistent watering or early planting in cold, wet soil can hinder bloom production.
Browning leaves may signal over/underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or sunburn. Adjust watering to deep, infrequent sessions and ensure proper soil drainage. Pests like slugs, earwigs, and aphids can damage leaves and blooms; hand-picking, insecticidal soaps, or neem oil manages them.
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew (a white coating) and botrytis (gray mold) thrive in humidity. Improve air circulation by spacing and removing lower leaves. For these, and leggy growth (from insufficient light), addressing environmental factors and consistent care maintains healthy dahlias.