The Wittem Dahlia is a popular garden plant known for its appealing blooms. It is a favored choice for landscapes.
Understanding Wittem Dahlia
The Wittem Dahlia is a decorative dahlia with fully double flowerheads. Its blooms feature clear white petals, sometimes with a delicate lilac blush, and measure 4 to 6 inches across.
This variety grows 22 inches to 4 feet (50 to 120 cm) tall and spreads 1 to 1.5 feet (30-50 cm). Its upright, compact size makes it suitable for various garden settings, including borders, containers, and cutting gardens. Unlike some taller dahlias, its strong stems usually eliminate the need for staking. It flowers from mid-summer until the first frost.
Growing and Care
Plant Wittem Dahlia tubers in spring after frost danger has passed and soil temperature consistently reaches 60°F (15°C). A good rule of thumb is to plant them a few days after tomatoes are typically planted in your region. Choose a location with full sun, ideally 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily, for abundant flowering, and shelter from strong winds.
Well-draining, fertile soil is important for Wittem Dahlias. Amend heavy clay soil with compost, aged manure, or sand to improve drainage. Dig a 4 to 6-inch deep hole, placing the tuber horizontally with the “eye” facing upward. Cover the tuber with 2 to 3 inches of soil initially, then gradually fill the hole as the stem sprouts. Space tubers 12 to 18 inches apart.
Avoid watering immediately after planting to prevent tuber rot. Wait until sprouts appear above the soil before beginning regular watering. Once established, Wittem Dahlias require consistent, deep watering, one to three times per week. In hot, dry conditions, daily watering may be necessary, especially for container plants.
Fertilizing Wittem Dahlias encourages growth and blooming. Apply an all-purpose liquid fertilizer twice a month once plants are established and about 8 inches tall. Avoid fertilizing when planting.
Staking is usually not necessary for Wittem Dahlia due to its compact size and sturdy stems. For taller varieties or leaning plants, provide support early in the growing season. Place stakes about 3 inches from the main stem, pounding them at least 12 inches deep. As the plant grows, loosely tie the stem to the stake every 12 inches (30 cm) to prevent girdling.
Deadheading, the removal of spent blooms, is important for continuous flowering from mid-summer until frost. This practice prevents the plant from expending energy on seed production, redirecting it towards new buds. Cut the flower stem down to the nearest set of leaves or a new bud. Regular deadheading promotes a bushier plant and extended bloom time.
Pinching involves removing the central growing tip of a young dahlia plant. This encourages multiple side shoots, resulting in a bushier form and more flowers. Pinch when the plant is 8 to 12 inches tall and has at least four sets of leaves on the main stalk. Snip off the uppermost sprout just above a leaf node. This redirects energy to lateral buds, leading to a fuller plant with more blooms and often longer, stronger stems suitable for cutting.
Overwintering Your Wittem Dahlia
Wittem Dahlias are tender perennials and do not survive winter outdoors in freezing temperatures. Tubers must be dug up and stored before hard frost. The ideal time to dig is after foliage has been blackened by a light frost, signaling the plant to send energy back to the tubers.
Carefully dig around the plant and lift the entire clump. Remove excess soil from the tubers and allow them to dry for several days in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Once dry, store tubers in a cool, dark, and frost-free location where temperatures remain a few degrees above freezing, typically between 40-50°F (4-10°C). Common storage mediums include peat moss, vermiculite, or sawdust to maintain humidity and prevent shriveling or rot. Periodically check stored tubers throughout winter for rot or shriveling, discarding compromised pieces.
Common Problems and Solutions
Wittem Dahlias can encounter various issues. Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that cluster on new growth, causing distorted leaves and sticky honeydew. A strong water spray can dislodge them, or insecticidal soap can be applied for more severe infestations. Spider mites cause yellow mottling on leaves and fine webbing. Horticultural oil sprays or insecticidal soaps help control these pests.
Slugs and earwigs can damage tender leaves and flower buds. Keeping the garden tidy by removing debris reduces their hiding spots. Organic slug baits or traps manage slug populations. Earwigs can be trapped in rolled-up newspapers or short sections of hose placed near plants overnight.
Diseases such as powdery mildew, appearing as a white, powdery coating on leaves, can occur, especially in humid conditions with poor air circulation. Ensuring adequate spacing, good air circulation, and watering at soil level rather than overhead prevents its spread. If powdery mildew appears, horticultural fungicides are used. Botrytis, or gray mold, affects blooms and foliage in cool, wet conditions, causing fuzzy gray patches. Removing affected plant parts and improving air circulation are preventative measures.
Lack of blooms or stunted growth results from insufficient sunlight, inadequate watering, or nutrient deficiencies. Ensure your Wittem Dahlia receives at least 6 hours of direct sun daily and consistent, deep watering once established. A balanced fertilizer applied during the growing season addresses nutrient needs.