The ‘Winkie Colonel’ Dahlia is a striking variety, valued for its impressive blooms and vibrant garden presence. This dahlia transforms garden spaces with its significant size and rich coloration.
Understanding Winkie Colonel Dahlia
The ‘Winkie Colonel’ Dahlia is an informal decorative variety, known for its fully double, large blooms exceeding 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter, earning it the “dinner plate” designation. These substantial flowers showcase a vibrant scarlet red color. The plant generally reaches 3 to 4 feet (90-120 cm) in height and spreads about 16 inches (40 cm). It is a prolific bloomer, producing up to 25 large flowers from mid-summer until the first frost.
Planting Winkie Colonel Dahlia
Plant ‘Winkie Colonel’ dahlia tubers after the last spring frost, when the soil has warmed sufficiently, ideally to at least 60°F (15°C). Planting too early in cool soil can lead to tuber rot. An ideal planting site provides full sun, meaning at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
Well-draining soil is crucial for dahlias, as they are susceptible to rot in waterlogged conditions. Amend the soil with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure. Dig a hole 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) deep and lay the tuber horizontally with the eye, or growing point, facing upwards. Space tubers 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm) apart for adequate growth and air circulation. After planting, avoid watering the tubers immediately unless the soil is exceptionally dry; overwatering before sprouts appear can cause rot.
Ongoing Care for Winkie Colonel Dahlia
Consistent watering is important for ‘Winkie Colonel’ dahlias once they have sprouted and are actively growing. Established plants generally require deep watering once or twice weekly, especially during warm, dry periods. Proper drainage is always necessary to prevent issues like stem rot.
Fertilization supports vigorous growth and abundant blooms. A balanced organic fertilizer low in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus and potassium (e.g., 5-10-10 or 5-10-15) is recommended. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers and may weaken stems and tubers. Apply fertilizer within the first month of planting, then repeat every three to four weeks.
Staking is necessary for ‘Winkie Colonel’ dahlias due to their tall stature and large, heavy blooms, which can bend or break without support. Insert stakes, such as bamboo canes or metal rods, at planting time to avoid damaging the tubers. As the plant grows, tie the stems gently to the stakes every 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) using soft ties, adjusting as needed.
Pinching the main stem when the plant reaches about 12 inches (30 cm) tall and has four to five sets of leaves encourages branching, leading to more flowers and sturdier plants. Deadheading, the removal of spent blooms, encourages continuous flowering by redirecting the plant’s energy from seed production to new flower development. Snip the faded flowers just above a healthy set of leaves or a new bud.
Common pests include aphids, thrips, spider mites, and slugs. Diseases like powdery mildew and mosaic virus can also occur. Good air circulation, achieved by proper spacing and removing lower leaves, helps prevent fungal issues. Regular inspection and prompt treatment are important for managing pest and disease issues.
Overwintering Winkie Colonel Dahlia
In climates where winter temperatures drop below freezing (USDA Zones 3-7), ‘Winkie Colonel’ dahlia tubers must be dug up and stored indoors to protect them from frost. In zones 8-10, tubers can often remain in the ground if the soil is well-draining and a thick layer of mulch is applied.
The ideal time to dig tubers is about one to two weeks after the first hard frost, which causes the foliage to turn brown or black. This brief period allows the tubers to “cure” and toughen their skin for storage.
Before digging, cut the stalks back to about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) above the soil line. Carefully lift the tuber clump from the soil using a spade or pitchfork, starting at least a foot away from the stem to avoid damage. Gently brush off excess soil. After digging, allow the tubers to air dry for a few days in a cool location out of direct sunlight, ensuring they do not freeze.
Store the prepared tubers in a cool, dark, and moderately humid environment where temperatures consistently remain between 40-50°F (4-10°C). Relative humidity of 75%-85% is often recommended to prevent tubers from shriveling or rotting. Various mediums can be used for storage, such as peat moss, vermiculite, dry sawdust, cardboard boxes, or paper bags, ensuring good air circulation. Check tubers periodically throughout the winter for signs of mold, rot, or excessive shriveling, adjusting storage conditions as needed.