
Dharaseeds
Dahlia Seeds (Decorative) - Gerrie Hoek
Estimated delivery between March 23 and March 26.
Dahlia Gerrie Hoek is a vibrant, decorative dahlia variety known for its stunning, bright red flowers with a contrasting white edge. This unique coloration makes it an attention-grabbing addition to any garden or floral arrangement. The lush, fully double blooms provide a bold splash of color and make excellent cut flowers, while the plant itself is easy to grow and maintain.
Key Benefits
- Striking Red and White Color: The bold red blooms with white edges create a dramatic effect, adding a touch of elegance and vibrancy to gardens and floral arrangements.
- Fully Double Flowers: Each bloom is densely packed with petals, creating a full, lush flower head that holds its shape throughout the blooming season.
- Great for Cut Flowers: The long-lasting blooms make perfect cut flowers for floral arrangements, offering vibrant color that lasts for weeks.
- Easy to Grow: Ideal for gardeners of all skill levels, this variety thrives in full sun and is relatively low-maintenance once established.
- Prolific Bloomer: Dahlia Gerrie Hoek produces numerous blooms per plant, ensuring a continuous display of color throughout the growing season.
Variety Features
- Plant Characteristics: Tall plants with large, fully double flowers that feature bright red petals with a white edge, making them stand out in any setting.
- Bloom Season: Blooms from mid-summer through fall, providing a long-lasting display of color.
- Growth Habit: Grows to a height of 30–36 inches, making it perfect for the middle or back of garden borders, flower beds, or containers.
- Size: The blooms typically reach up to 6 inches in diameter, creating a bold, full flower head.
Planting Instructions
Planting Season
- Plant Dahlia Gerrie Hoek in spring, after the last frost date and once the soil temperature has warmed to at least 60°F (15°C).
- It thrives in full sun but can tolerate some light shade in hotter climates.
Planting Details
- Bulb Depth: Plant tubers 4–6 inches deep, ensuring the "eye" or sprouting point is facing upwards.
- Spacing: Space plants 18–24 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and avoid overcrowding.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
- Sunlight: Full sun is ideal for strong growth and abundant blooms, though light afternoon shade can be beneficial in very hot regions.
Care Instructions
Watering
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water deeply to promote healthy root development.
- Aim for 1 inch of water per week, increasing in hot, dry periods.
Fertilization
- Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at planting time and again when plants are 6 inches tall. Fertilize every 4–6 weeks during the growing season to encourage robust growth and vibrant blooms.
Weeding and Mulching
- Regularly remove weeds around the base of the plant, being careful not to disturb the roots.
- Mulch around the plant to retain moisture, keep the soil cool, and suppress weeds.
Pest and Disease Control
- Pests: Watch for aphids, slugs, and snails, which can damage the foliage and blooms. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Diseases: To prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew, ensure good air circulation by spacing plants properly. Rotate crops annually and avoid overhead watering to keep the leaves dry.
Harvesting
- For Blooms: Harvest flowers when they are fully open but still firm. Cutting early in the morning is ideal for the longest vase life.
- For Tubers: After the first frost, dig up the tubers and store them in a cool, dry area for the winter to preserve them for the next growing season.
Storage
Short-Term: Store cut flowers in water, changing the water every 2-3 days to maintain freshness.
Long-Term: Store tubers in a cool, dry location (40°F or 4°C) during the winter months. Keep them in a dry, well-ventilated area, and protect them from freezing temperatures.
Culinary and Aesthetic Uses
- Aesthetic: Dahlia Gerrie Hoek adds a bold, eye-catching splash of color to gardens, flower beds, and containers. Its dramatic red and white blooms make it perfect for creating striking floral arrangements.
- Floral Arrangements: Ideal for use in bouquets and centerpieces, the long-lasting, fully double flowers provide vibrant color and texture to any arrangement.
Conclusion
Dahlia Gerrie Hoek is a stunning decorative variety with eye-catching red and white blooms that will brighten up any garden. With its easy care, prolific blooming habit, and excellent cut flower qualities, this dahlia is a perfect choice for gardeners seeking to add color and drama to their flower beds or floral arrangements. Whether grown for its beauty in the garden or its longevity in vases, this variety is sure to impress.