The Yelno Harmony dahlia is a popular choice for garden enthusiasts due to its distinctive beauty and captivating blooms. This variety enhances any garden space with its elegant presence.
Characteristics of Yelno Harmony Dahlia
The Yelno Harmony dahlia features waterlily-form blooms, typically 10-12 cm (4-4.5 inches) in diameter. These symmetrical flowers have broad, gently cupped petals. Their color palette transitions through shades of peach, apricot, and coral, sometimes including creamy white, light yellow, salmon, or deep yellow flushed with orange.
This dahlia reaches 90-120 cm (3 to 4 feet) tall, making it a prominent garden feature. Its robust stems support abundant blooms from summer until the first frost. The plant’s spread is typically 10-50 cm (0.5 to 1.5 feet).
Planting Your Yelno Harmony Dahlia
Successful cultivation begins with proper planting after the last spring frost, when soil temperatures reach at least 15°C (60°F). Choose a location with full sun, as dahlias thrive with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, which also intensifies their flower color. While they tolerate partial shade, full sun promotes more blooms.
Well-drained, rich, and organic soil is important for optimal growth. Before planting, loosen the soil to a depth of at least 30 cm (12 inches) and incorporate compost and an all-purpose granular fertilizer. Dig a hole 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) deep, placing the tuber with the eye or sprout facing upwards. The top of the tuber should be 7-15 cm (3-6 inches) below the soil surface once covered, ensuring no air pockets.
Water immediately after planting, but withhold subsequent watering until the first sprouts appear to prevent tuber rot. For taller varieties, install a sturdy stake, 1.5-1.8 meters (5-6 feet) tall, at planting time for support. Space tubers 30-45 cm (12-18 inches) apart for adequate air circulation. For an earlier start, tubers can be potted indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost, ensuring ample light once shoots emerge.
Cultivating Yelno Harmony Dahlia
Consistent watering is important for Yelno Harmony dahlias, especially during dry and hot periods. Water deeply one to two times per week, allowing the top 2.5 cm (1 inch) of soil to dry out between waterings. In extremely hot weather, bi-weekly watering may be necessary, adjusting based on local conditions.
Regular fertilization supports healthy growth and abundant blooms. Apply a bloom-type fertilizer monthly from mid-summer until early fall for continuous flowering. As plants grow, tie stems to pre-installed stakes every 30-45 cm (12-18 inches) to support the heavy blooms and prevent bending or breaking.
When the plant reaches approximately 30 cm (12 inches) with three to four sets of leaves, pinch off the top of the main stem just above a leaf node. This encourages branching, promoting a bushier plant with more flowering stems and blooms. Regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms and extend the flowering season until the first frost.
While dahlias are robust, common pests like aphids, leaf miners, and slugs, along with diseases such as powdery mildew, may occasionally affect them. Monitor plants and address issues promptly to maintain vigor and bloom quality.
Ensuring Future Blooms
To ensure Yelno Harmony dahlias return in colder climates (USDA Zones 3-7), lift and store tubers indoors before freezing temperatures. After the first frost turns foliage dark and blooms soft, leave tubers in the ground for one to two weeks to toughen their skin. Before digging, cut stalks to about 10 cm (4 inches) and label each plant.
Gently loosen soil around the tuber clump with a pitchfork, being careful not to damage them, then lift. Brush off excess soil, discarding any diseased or damaged tubers. Tubers can be washed or stored with some soil. After digging, air dry tubers for a few days in a cool, dark location away from direct sunlight and frost.
Tubers can be stored in cardboard boxes, plastic tubs, or paper bags, layered with materials like peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings. The storage area should be cool, dark, and maintain a consistent temperature between 4°C and 10°C (40°F and 50°F), with moderate humidity to prevent shriveling or rot. Check tubers monthly for mold, rot, or excessive drying.
In early spring, before planting, divide tubers to increase your plant stock. Each division needs a piece of the tuber, an unbroken neck, and at least one viable “eye” or growth bud. Warming tubers a few weeks before division can make eyes easier to see. Use sharp, clean tools and disinfect them between cuts to prevent disease spread.