The ‘White Wizard’ dahlia is a popular choice for gardens and floral arrangements, known for its pure white blooms. This variety offers a classic aesthetic that can elevate garden beds and floral displays.
Understanding White Wizard Dahlia
The ‘White Wizard’ dahlia features creamy soft white petals, sometimes with a faint hint of peach or blush. Classified as a ball dahlia, its blooms are perfectly rounded with tightly packed petals, typically measuring 3 to 4 inches in diameter. The plant generally reaches 36 to 42 inches (3 to 3.5 feet) tall, making it suitable for garden display and cut flower arrangements.
Growing White Wizard Dahlias
Site Selection
For ‘White Wizard’ dahlias, select a site with full sun, providing at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Well-draining soil is crucial, as tubers are susceptible to rot in overly wet conditions. Amend the soil with organic matter, like compost, to improve drainage and provide nutrients. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, between 6.5 and 7.0, is preferred.
Planting
Plant ‘White Wizard’ dahlia tubers after the last spring frost, when soil temperatures consistently reach around 60°F (15°C). Dig a 4 to 6-inch deep hole, placing the tuber with the ‘eye’ (growing point) facing upwards. Space tubers 12 to 18 inches apart for air circulation and growth. After planting, water thoroughly, but avoid overwatering until sprouts emerge to prevent tuber rot.
Watering and Fertilizing
Water dahlias deeply once or twice a week, especially during dry periods and as blooms develop, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer, such as a 5-10-10, to promote blooms over foliage. Begin fertilizing about 30 days after planting, continuing every three to four weeks until September.
Support and Pest Management
Tall ‘White Wizard’ dahlias with large blooms require staking to prevent stems from breaking, especially in windy conditions. Install supports early when plants are young to establish a sturdy framework. Good air circulation helps prevent common dahlia diseases. Regularly inspect plants for pests or diseases, as healthy growing conditions are the primary preventative measure.
Winterizing and Storing White Wizard Tubers
Digging Tubers
In colder climates where the ground freezes, ‘White Wizard’ dahlia tubers must be dug up and stored indoors for winter. Dig after the first hard frost turns foliage brown or black, but before the ground freezes solid. Waiting one to two weeks after this frost allows the plant to send starches to the tubers, helping them mature and develop “eyes” for next season.
Curing Tubers
Cut stems back to 4 to 6 inches above ground. Use a garden fork or shovel to loosen soil in a wide circle, about a foot from the main stem, to avoid damaging tubers. Gently lift the clump, shaking off excess soil. After digging, cure tubers by drying them for several days to two weeks in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. This toughens the skin and heals wounds, reducing rot risk during storage. Avoid drying tubers directly on concrete, which can cause shriveling.
Storage Conditions
Store tubers in a cool, dark, frost-free location between 40-45°F (4-7°C) with approximately 85% relative humidity. High temperatures cause premature sprouting, while low temperatures lead to freezing. Common storage mediums include peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings, which maintain humidity and prevent drying or excessive moisture. Place tubers without touching, or layer them within the medium in cardboard boxes, plastic bins, or paper bags that allow air circulation. Inspect stored tubers monthly for rot, shriveling, or mold.
Inspection
If tubers shrivel, lightly mist the storage medium to add humidity. Promptly remove any rotting or moldy sections to prevent spread.
Harvesting White Wizard Blooms
Timing
Harvest ‘White Wizard’ dahlia blooms at the correct stage for a longer vase life. Cut flowers in the early morning or late evening when blooms are well-hydrated. Dahlia buds do not open further once cut, so harvest blooms that are nearly or fully open. The back of the flower head should feel firm, and petals should remain in place when gently touched.
Cutting and Conditioning
When cutting, make a deep cut on the stem to encourage more blooms and promote good stem length. Cut just above a leaf node, where two new shoots emerge. Immediately place stems into a bucket of warm water (160-180°F / 71-82°C) for initial conditioning. This “hot water treatment” prevents air bubbles from blocking water uptake, allowing effective hydration. Remove any foliage below the waterline to prevent bacterial growth, which shortens vase life. Using flower food also provides nutrients and maintains water quality.