Organic Dahlia 'Dreamy Sunset'™ (dark-leaved)

Organic Dark-Leaved Dahlia

The Dahlia 'Dreamy Sunset'™ is a unique dark-leaved dahlia with medium-sized flowers and an open center, making them easily accessible to bees and other pollinators. The flowers are orange and consist of multiple layers of petals surrounding the open center. The flower color contrasts beautifully with the dark foliage, which spreads out and gives the plant a fuller appearance compared to a long-stemmed dahlia.

Dahlias bloom for an incredibly long time—up to 100 days a year—because new flowers continuously emerge as the spent blooms are removed. They provide a sea of flowers late in the season when most other plants have already finished blooming.

How, Where, and When to Plant Organic Dahlia Tubers

Starting Indoors

The 'Dreamy Sunset'™ dahlia is not frost-hardy. Therefore, the tubers can be started indoors from March onwards. This gives them a growth advantage and allows the dahlias to bloom earlier. After the last frost date (around May 15), the plants can be moved outdoors, or earlier if the weather permits. However, be cautious of night frost—if it is expected, bring the plants indoors overnight.

Planting Outdoors

If you choose to wait until after the last frost to plant the dahlia tubers, the best time is by May 15. From this point, the tubers can safely go into the ground and will bloom approximately 60 to 90 days later. Plant the tuber with the old flower stem facing upwards, about 2 to 3 centimeters below the soil surface, and maintain a distance of half a meter between each tuber.

Planting is possible until June.

Location

Dahlias prefer a sunny location in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil, preferably chalky, sandy soil.
The Dahlia 'Dreamy Sunset'™ only grows to about half a meter tall and has medium-sized flowers, so it does not require staking.

For pot cultivation, it is best to use a pot at least 40 centimeters wide to prevent the soil from drying out too quickly in the summer.

Pinching Dahlias

Pinching is a technique used to stimulate growth and create a bushier, fuller plant. Dahlias are typically pinched when they reach a certain height, usually during their active growth phase. We recommend allowing at least 2 to 4 pairs of leaves to grow before pinching.

A leaf node is the point where a leaf is attached to the stem. Identify the uppermost pairs of leaves on the stem. Use a sharp, clean pruning shear to cut the stem just above a leaf node. Make a clean cut to avoid damaging the plant. If there are flower buds below the pinched area, you can remove them as well. This encourages the plant to focus its energy on developing side branches.
After pinching, the dahlia will start to grow lateral shoots from the leaf axils, resulting in a plant with more flowers.

Care of the Dahlia 'Dreamy Sunset'™

Keep the soil around the Dahlia 'Dreamy Sunset'™ consistently moist. Dry soil can hinder growth and flowering.
During the flowering period, remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms. After the plant has finished blooming in autumn, allow it to die back completely. This prevents water from entering the hollow flower stems, which could cause rot.

Dahlias and Fertilization

Dahlias are fast-growing plants that benefit from regular feeding. Provide fertilizer multiple times throughout the growing season for optimal results.
For organic potting soil, plant food, and other soil enhancers, we recommend Bio Kultura.

What to Do with Dahlias in Autumn?

Protect tubers left in the ground during winter by covering them with leaves against light frost. In case of severe frost, dig them up and store them in a dry, frost-free location. Digging up the tubers also allows you to divide them for propagation.

Giving Back to Nature

In autumn, cut back the remains of the plant and work them into the soil as natural fertilizer. This helps nourish the soil and keeps your green waste bin available for kitchen scraps.

Propagating Dahlia Tubers

Dahlia tubers grow well throughout autumn. Do not remove the tubers too early if you want to propagate them. The best time is just before the first frost. Tubers can be divided immediately or in spring. The advantage of spring division is that small growth points will be visible, making it easier to identify where to split the tuber.

Edible

All parts of the Dahlia 'Dreamy Sunset'™ are edible. The tuber has a carrot-like taste, and the flowers can be used to garnish salads or add flavor to water when placed in a carafe.

Origin of the Dahlia

Dahlias originate from Mexico and have been grown in European gardens since 1615. Initially cultivated for their edible tubers, their ornamental beauty soon made them one of the most diverse plant species worldwide.

Buy Organic Dahlia 'Dreamy Sunset' ™

Skal NL-BIO-01 certified: 109459

Packed individually or choose a stacking discount.

Stacking discount: B

Pre-order now, delivery from mid March!

EU shipping €8.95 - Free shipping from €100 purchase.

Characteristics

Other dahlia varieties

NL-BIO-01