The ‘Zippity Do Da’ dahlia is a charming addition to any garden, offering cheerful blooms throughout the growing season. This cultivar brings playful elegance to garden beds and containers, captivating with its distinctive flowers. Cultivating this beautiful plant is a rewarding experience, transforming outdoor spaces with its prolific display. Gardeners of all skill levels can enjoy its beauty.
Discovering Zippity Do Da Dahlia
The ‘Zippity Do Da’ dahlia captivates with its distinctive pompom flower form. Each bloom measures around 2 inches (5-6 cm) across, showcasing perfectly inrolled petals. These charming flowers display a striking bi-coloration, often appearing as lilac-pink or candy-pink with an ombre to white, sometimes featuring a darker purple eye. This unique color blend contributes to its whimsical appeal.
Plants reach a mature height of 30 to 42 inches (75 cm to 1 meter) and can spread 12 to 20 inches (30-50 cm) wide, forming a bushy, upright habit. ‘Zippity Do Da’ is known for its prolific blooming, producing abundant flowers from mid-summer until the first hard frost. Its sturdy stems make it an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements, offering lasting beauty indoors.
Planting Your Zippity Do Da Dahlia
Choose a location with full sun for ‘Zippity Do Da’ dahlias, as they require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for abundant blooms. A sheltered spot helps protect their stems from strong winds. Ensure ample space around each plant for proper air circulation.
Prepare the soil for successful dahlia cultivation. ‘Zippity Do Da’ dahlias prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 6.5 and 7.0. Amending heavy clay soils with organic material improves drainage and aeration, preventing tuber rot.
Plant after the last spring frost has passed and the soil temperature consistently reaches about 60°F (15°C). This timing often coincides with when tomatoes are planted in your region. Dig a hole 4 to 6 inches deep, placing the tuber horizontally with the eye, or growing point, facing upwards. Space individual tubers 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation.
Ongoing Care for Zippity Do Da Dahlia
Provide consistent moisture for ‘Zippity Do Da’ dahlias once growth is established. After planting, avoid watering tubers until green shoots emerge, as excessive moisture can lead to rot. Once established, provide deep waterings one to three times per week, aiming for about one inch of water weekly, adjusting based on climate and soil conditions. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent oversaturation. Watering in the early morning or evening helps maximize absorption and minimizes evaporation.
Fertilization supports vigorous growth and abundant flowering. ‘Zippity Do Da’ dahlias benefit from a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus, and high-potassium fertilizer, such as a 5-10-10 or 0-20-20 blend. Apply this fertilizer within 30 days of planting or periodically throughout the active growing season. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they promote leafy growth at the expense of blooms and can weaken stems.
Support is recommended for ‘Zippity Do Da’ dahlias, especially as they can reach heights of 3 feet or more. Staking prevents breakage from wind or the weight of heavy blooms. Install stakes at planting time to avoid damaging tubers later. As the plant grows, gently tie the main stems to the stake, allowing a little slack for natural movement.
Pinch the central stem when the plant reaches 12 to 20 inches tall to encourage bushier growth and increase flowering stems. Regular deadheading, which involves removing spent flowers, signals the plant to produce more new buds, ensuring continuous flowering from summer until the first frost. Throughout the season, routinely inspect plants for any signs of pests or diseases, addressing issues promptly to maintain plant health.
Seasonal Care and Common Issues
Prepare ‘Zippity Do Da’ dahlias for winter in regions experiencing freezing temperatures, typically below USDA zones 8-11. After the first hard frost blackens the foliage, cut stems back to about 6 inches from the ground. Allow tubers to cure in the ground for 10 to 14 days before carefully digging them up. Gently remove excess soil and let them dry in a cool, sheltered spot for a few days.
Store cleaned tubers in a cool, dark, and dry environment, ideally between 40°F and 45°F (4°C and 7°C). A breathable medium like peat moss, vermiculite, sand, or dry sawdust helps prevent shriveling. Avoid sealed plastic bags, which can trap moisture and cause rot. Periodically check stored tubers throughout winter for any issues.
Dahlias can encounter several common pests and diseases. Slugs and snails frequently target young shoots, causing chewed leaves. Earwigs also feed on tender foliage and flower buds. Spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions, leading to stippled leaves and fine webbing. Aphids, tiny sap-sucking insects, cause distorted leaves and can spread plant viruses.
Powdery mildew, a fungal disease, appears as a white coating on leaves, often due to poor air circulation. Address these issues early through proper cultural practices and targeted treatments, like insecticidal soaps for pests, to maintain plant health and ensure a vibrant display.