The ‘Tsuki Yori No Shisha’ dahlia brings a captivating presence to any garden with its unique blooms. This variety stands out for its striking appearance, drawing the eye with its intricate floral structure and elegant coloration. Cultivating this dahlia transforms a garden space, providing a focal point of beauty.
Unveiling Tsuki Yori No Shisha Dahlia
The ‘Tsuki Yori No Shisha’ dahlia features a distinctive fimbriated flower form, characterized by finely incised, curling petals that radiate outwards. These large blooms typically measure 6 to 8 inches in diameter. The petals are long, slender, and delicately twisted, resembling wisps or celestial fireworks.
Its coloration is primarily pure white or creamy white, enhancing its ethereal appearance. This dahlia is classified as a Japanese-style cactus dahlia, known for its unique starburst effect. The plant reaches a height of 3 to 4 feet, with deep green, serrated foliage that contrasts beautifully with the luminous white blooms. The name “Tsuki Yori No Shisha” translates from Japanese to “Messenger from the Moon.”
Planting and Cultivation
Planting ‘Tsuki Yori No Shisha’ dahlia begins with selecting an appropriate site. Dahlias thrive in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal bloom production. More sun leads to larger flowers. Choose a location sheltered from strong winds to protect the tall plants and their delicate blooms.
Soil preparation is important for healthy dahlias. They prefer rich, well-drained, loose, and fertile soil. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and provide nutrients. Dahlias need well-draining soil to prevent tuber rot. Digging the planting area 10 inches to 1 foot deep helps loosen the soil.
Plant dahlia tubers when soil temperature reaches at least 60°F and all danger of frost has passed, typically in late spring when tomatoes are planted. Plant tubers 4 to 6 inches deep, with the “eye” or growth bud facing upwards. For ‘Tsuki Yori No Shisha’, space tubers 12 to 18 inches apart. Avoid watering immediately after planting unless the soil is very dry, as excess moisture can cause tubers to rot.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Once ‘Tsuki Yori No Shisha’ dahlias are established and show green shoots, consistent watering is important. During the growing season, dahlias require deep watering, 3-4 times per week, ensuring moisture penetrates 8-10 inches to reach the roots. In hot, dry climates, daily watering may be necessary, especially for container-grown dahlias. Check soil moisture by hand, ensuring the top 2-3 inches are dry.
Fertilizing ‘Tsuki Yori No Shisha’ dahlias supports vigorous growth and prolific blooming. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer with a higher percentage of phosphorus and potassium, such as NPK ratios of 5-10-10 or 10-20-20. Apply fertilizer approximately 30 days after planting, then repeat every 3-4 weeks throughout the growing season. Over-fertilizing, especially with high nitrogen, can lead to excessive leafy growth and weaken stems.
Due to their height of 3 to 4 feet and large blooms, ‘Tsuki Yori No Shisha’ dahlias require staking to prevent brittle stems from breaking. Use wood, bamboo, or metal stakes, about 6 feet tall. Place stakes 3 inches from the center stem and drive them at least 12 inches deep. As the plant grows, tie stems loosely to the stake every 12 inches for support.
Deadheading, the removal of spent flowers, encourages continuous blooming. When a flower fades, the plant puts energy into seed production; removing the spent bloom redirects this energy into creating more flowers. Regularly check plants, at least weekly, and remove wilted blooms by cutting the stem just above the first set of leaves to promote a longer flowering season.
Winter Dormancy and Tuber Storage
In colder climates (USDA Zones 7 and below), ‘Tsuki Yori No Shisha’ dahlia tubers must be lifted and stored indoors for winter to protect them from freezing. The best time to dig up tubers is after the first hard frost kills the foliage, causing it to turn yellow and brown. This allows the plant to send energy back into the tubers, preparing them for dormancy.
After foliage dies back, cut stems 4-6 inches above ground, leaving a handle for lifting. Carefully dig 6 to 12 inches from the center stem to avoid damaging tubers, then gently lift the clump. Remove excess soil from tubers. Wash tubers to remove remaining dirt, then allow them to dry and cure for several days to a few weeks in a cool, dry location with good air circulation. This curing process toughens the skin and prevents rot.
Proper storage conditions are important for successful overwintering. Store dahlias in a cool, dark, frost-free place where temperatures remain between 40-50°F (4-10°C). Humidity levels of 80-90% are ideal; too dry, and tubers shrivel, too wet, and they can rot. Tubers can be stored in cardboard boxes, plastic bins, or paper bags, ensuring good air circulation. Pack them in a medium like peat moss, vermiculite, wood shavings, or dry compost to regulate moisture and prevent contact, which can spread rot. Regularly check stored tubers for signs of shriveling, mold, or rot, removing any compromised tubers.