Dahlia Seeds (Dinnerplate) - Break Out

Dahlia Break Out is a stunning dinnerplate variety that produces large, vibrant blooms with striking color contrasts. Featuring a combination of deep pink, purple, and white petals, each bloom has a unique, almost artistic look, making it a standout addition to any garden or floral arrangement. With its large, eye-catching flowers and strong stems, Break Out is perfect for gardeners looking to create bold, dramatic displays.

Key Benefits

• Large, Eye-Catching Blooms: Features enormous, 8–10 inch blooms that are perfect for creating a dramatic visual impact in gardens or as cut flowers.
• Vibrant Color Combination: Striking petals in shades of deep pink, purple, and white, offering a bold contrast that stands out in any garden setting.
• Strong Stems: Thick, sturdy stems ensure that the flowers stay upright and perform well in windy or rainy conditions.
• Pollinator-Friendly: Attracts bees and butterflies, making it a great choice for creating a pollinator-friendly garden.
• Long-Lasting Flowers: The blooms are long-lasting both in the garden and as cut flowers, providing a prolonged display of color.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Tall, upright plants with dark green foliage that contrast beautifully with the bright, multi-colored flowers.
• Bloom Season: Flowers bloom from mid-summer to fall, providing color and interest throughout the growing season.
• Growth Habit: Grows up to 36–42 inches tall, making it an ideal centerpiece in flower beds or as a backdrop for smaller plants.
• Flower Size: Dinnerplate-sized blooms, typically 8–10 inches in diameter, creating a dramatic effect.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Plant Dahlia Break Out tubers in late spring, after the risk of frost has passed and the soil temperature reaches at least 60°F (15°C).
• Choose a location that receives full sunlight for optimal growth.

Planting Details

• Bulb Depth: Plant tubers 4–6 inches deep, with the "eye" of the tuber facing upwards.
• Spacing: Space tubers 18–24 inches apart to allow for proper growth and airflow.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
• Sunlight: Full sun is ideal for optimal blooming, although it can tolerate partial shade in warmer climates.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist, ensuring that the plants receive about 1 inch of water per week. Water deeply to encourage strong root growth.
• Avoid wetting the foliage to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting time and again when plants are about 6 inches tall to promote healthy growth.
• Continue fertilizing every 4–6 weeks throughout the growing season to maintain vibrant blooms.

Weeding and Mulching

• Regularly remove weeds around the base of the plants to prevent competition for nutrients.
• Mulch around the plants to retain moisture, keep the soil cool, and suppress weed growth.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Watch for aphids, spider mites, and slugs. Use insecticidal soap or natural remedies such as neem oil to protect your plants.
• Diseases: Dahlia Break Out can be susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Avoid overhead watering and ensure adequate air circulation to prevent this.

Harvesting

• For Blooms: Cut flowers when they are fully open but still firm to the touch, ensuring that you harvest them before they begin to wilt.
• For Tubers: After the first frost, carefully dig up the tubers, dry them thoroughly, and store them in a cool, dry location for the winter.

Storage

Short-Term: Cut flowers can be stored in a vase with fresh water. Change the water every few days to keep the blooms fresh. Long-Term: Store tubers in a cool, dry location (around 40°F or 4°C) for winter storage. Ensure that they are completely dry before storing to avoid rot.

Culinary and Aesthetic Uses

• Aesthetic: Dahlia Break Out’s large, multi-colored blooms are perfect for making a bold statement in garden borders, beds, or containers. It also pairs well with other vibrant-colored flowers for a lively, colorful display.
• Floral Arrangements: This variety is ideal for cutting, as its large, dramatic blooms make striking centerpieces in vases and floral arrangements.

Conclusion

Dahlia Break Out is a stunning dinnerplate variety that offers large, vibrant blooms with a unique mix of pink, purple, and white petals. With its strong stems, pollinator-friendly qualities, and long-lasting flowers, it’s the perfect choice for gardeners looking to create a bold, dramatic garden display. Whether used in floral arrangements or as part of your garden, Dahlia Break Out is sure to impress with its striking beauty.