Dramatic wine red blossoms with almost black centers.

Color: Deep cranberry
Tuber
Flower type: Informal decorative
Height: 4-5’
Site: Full sun
Days to maturity: 80-100 days
Plant spacing: 12-18”
Pinch: When plants are 12” tall

 Growing Notes:

Dig hole 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) deep, place the tuber on its side, horizontally, with growing eye facing up, cover with soil. Dahlias get quite large, space at least 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 cm) apart. Avoid watering until the first green shoots make an appearance (overwatering=tuber rot). Water young plants consistently. After plants reach 1 foot (30 cm) tall, give them a hard pinch by snipping out 3 to 4 inches (7 to 10 cm) of the center stalk to encourage branching, flower production and stem length.

Require full sun (at least 8 hours daily) to thrive and bloom abundantly. Cold-sensitive, plant outside when soil has warmed to above 60°F (15°C) and all danger of frost has passed.

 Harvest Notes:

Cut when blooms are ¾ of the way open, but not overly ripe. Check the back of each flower head, looking for firm and lush petals versus papery or slightly dehydrated ones. Place into water with hydrator or sear stem ends by placing into 160-180° water and allow to cool for 1 hour. 5-6 days vase life.

Pick up on Saturdays at Tea Lane Farm. See our COVID precautions here.