Dharaseeds
Dahlia Seeds (Dinnerplate) - Cafe Au Lait Supreme
Estimated delivery between February 05 and February 08.
Dahlia Cafe Au Lait Supreme is an upgraded version of the beloved Cafe Au Lait variety, featuring even larger, more impressive blooms in a stunning blend of creamy beige, soft peach, and blush pink. Known for its oversized dinnerplate flowers and elegant, romantic hues, this dahlia variety is perfect for gardeners who want to add drama, sophistication, and elegance to their garden beds or floral arrangements.
Key Benefits
- Giant Dinnerplate Flowers: With blooms reaching up to 10 inches in diameter, this variety creates a striking visual impact in your garden.
- Sophisticated Color Palette: The blend of creamy beige, soft peach, and blush pink flowers adds a romantic, vintage charm to any landscape.
- Long Blooming Period: Enjoy an extended flowering season from mid-summer to fall, with fresh blooms continuously appearing.
- Easy to Grow: This variety is low maintenance and grows well with basic care, making it ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Ideal for Cut Flowers: The large blooms make Cafe Au Lait Supreme an excellent choice for floral arrangements, adding luxury and elegance to any occasion.
Variety Features
- Plant Characteristics: Large, dinnerplate-sized flowers with a subtle blend of soft pink, peach, and cream, creating an elegant color gradient.
- Bloom Season: Blooms from mid-summer to fall, providing months of beauty and charm.
- Growth Habit: Grows 3–4 feet tall, creating a tall, dramatic presence in garden beds.
- Flower Size: Each bloom can reach up to 10 inches in diameter, making it one of the largest and most impressive dahlias available.
Planting Instructions
Planting Season
- Plant tubers in late spring after the last frost has passed and the soil has warmed up sufficiently.
Planting Details
- Bulb Depth: Plant tubers 4–6 inches deep, ensuring the “eye” or growing tip is facing upwards.
- Spacing: Space tubers 12–18 inches apart to give them room to grow and spread.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Loamy or sandy soils are ideal.
- Sunlight: Requires full sun (6+ hours per day) for optimal growth and bloom production.
Care Instructions
Watering
- Water consistently to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Deep watering encourages strong roots and helps the plant thrive.
Fertilization
- Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting time, and again when the plants reach 6 inches tall to encourage lush foliage and large blooms.
Weeding and Mulching
- Use mulch around the base to retain moisture and reduce weed competition. Keep the soil clean and free from debris for healthy plant growth.
Pest and Disease Control
- Pests: Monitor for common pests like aphids, slugs, and spider mites. Use organic pest control methods, such as insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Diseases: Dahlia Cafe Au Lait Supreme can be susceptible to fungal diseases like mildew. Ensure good air circulation around plants and avoid overhead watering.
Harvesting
- For Blooms: Harvest flowers when they are fully open but still firm. The blooms last up to a week in floral arrangements.
- For Tubers: After the first frost, dig up the tubers, let them dry thoroughly, and store them in a cool, dry place until the next planting season.
Storage
Short-Term Storage: Freshly cut blooms can last for up to a week in a vase. Long-Term Storage: Tubers should be stored in a cool, dry environment at 40–50°F (4–10°C) for winter storage.
Culinary and Aesthetic Uses
- Aesthetic Appeal: Ideal for creating sophisticated, elegant garden displays or as the centerpiece in mixed borders or containers.
- Floral Arrangements: Cafe Au Lait Supreme's large, creamy blooms make it a show-stopping flower in any bouquet or floral arrangement, perfect for weddings and special events.
Conclusion
Dahlia Cafe Au Lait Supreme is the epitome of elegance and grandeur. With its massive dinnerplate blooms and delicate color transitions, it’s the perfect choice for gardeners looking to create a striking focal point in their gardens or add an element of luxury to their floral arrangements. This variety’s long blooming period and easy-to-grow nature make it a must-have for any dahlia enthusiast.