Dharaseeds
Dahlia Seeds (Ball) - Linda's Baby
Estimated delivery between February 05 and February 08.
Dahlia Linda's Baby is a charming ball-shaped variety that boasts a compact size and stunning, perfectly round blooms. Known for its vibrant and cheerful colors, this variety features bright, deep-pink petals that create a beautiful contrast against the dark green foliage. Ideal for garden beds, borders, or containers, Linda's Baby adds a delightful splash of color to any landscape.
Key Benefits
- Vibrant Color: Offers striking deep-pink flowers that add a pop of color to any garden or floral arrangement.
- Compact Growth: Perfect for small gardens, containers, or borders, growing to a manageable height of 18–24 inches.
- Ball-Shaped Blooms: Features perfectly round, full blooms that are both eye-catching and long-lasting.
- Long-Lasting Flowers: Blooms throughout the summer and into fall, providing color well into the season.
- Ideal for Cutting: Great for bouquets, floral arrangements, or as a centerpiece in cut flower gardens.
Variety Features
- Plant Characteristics: Compact and bushy with dark green foliage that provides a contrasting backdrop for the bold, round flowers.
- Bloom Season: Blooms from mid-summer to fall, continuously producing flowers throughout the growing season.
- Growth Habit: Compact, upright plants that reach about 18–24 inches in height, making it ideal for smaller spaces or containers.
- Size: The blooms are perfectly round, measuring about 4–6 inches across, with tightly packed petals in a vibrant deep pink color.
Planting Instructions
Planting Season
- Plant Dahlia Linda's Baby in late spring, after the last frost, when soil temperatures are consistently above 60°F (15°C).
- Full sun is essential for promoting healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
Planting Details
- Bulb Depth: Plant the tubers 4–6 inches deep, with the "eye" facing upwards.
- Spacing: Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow for optimal growth and air circulation.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
- Sunlight: Full sun is best, but partial shade is acceptable in hotter climates.
Care Instructions
Watering
- Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, especially during dry spells.
- Water at the base of the plant to prevent moisture from accumulating on the foliage.
Fertilization
- Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) when planting and again when the plants are about 6 inches tall.
- Continue fertilizing every 4–6 weeks during the growing season to ensure healthy blooms.
Weeding and Mulching
- Keep weeds under control to prevent competition for nutrients.
- Use mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Pest and Disease Control
- Pests: Watch out for aphids, slugs, and other common pests. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed.
- Diseases: To prevent fungal diseases, avoid overhead watering and provide adequate spacing between plants for air circulation.
Harvesting
- For Blooms: Cut flowers when they are fully open but still firm to the touch for maximum freshness.
- For Tubers: After the first frost, dig up the tubers, let them dry, and store them in a cool, dry place for the winter.
Storage
Short-Term: Store cut flowers in a vase with water, changing the water every 2–3 days to extend their vase life. Long-Term: Store tubers in a cool, dry location (around 40°F or 4°C), using a breathable container like a paper bag or box lined with dry peat moss or sawdust.
Culinary and Aesthetic Uses
- Aesthetic: Dahlia Linda's Baby is perfect for adding a vibrant splash of color to garden beds, borders, or containers. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller spaces.
- Floral Arrangements: The ball-shaped blooms are fantastic for floral arrangements, making them ideal for bouquets, table centerpieces, and special occasions.
Conclusion
Dahlia Linda's Baby is a delightful variety that brings a burst of color and compact beauty to any garden. Its ball-shaped blooms and vibrant deep-pink color make it a standout in any planting scheme, while its manageable size makes it ideal for smaller gardens and containers. Whether used as a garden centerpiece or as a cut flower in arrangements, Linda's Baby is sure to brighten up any space.