Dahlia Seeds (Dinnerplate) - Passion Mix

Dahlia Passion Mix is an exquisite collection of dinnerplate-sized blooms that offers a vibrant and dynamic display of colors in every flower. With a mix of bold reds, pinks, and purples, this variety will bring a sense of passion and drama to any garden or floral arrangement. The large, eye-catching flowers are perfect for adding striking color and texture to garden beds, borders, or as focal points in mixed plantings.

Key Benefits

• Vibrant Color Mix: A stunning combination of rich reds, pinks, and purples that create a dramatic effect in the garden.
• Large, Showy Blooms: Features large, fully double flowers that are perfect for making a statement in flower beds and floral arrangements.
• Ideal for Cutting: The large, long-lasting flowers make an excellent choice for bouquets and arrangements, providing beauty both in the garden and indoors.
• Strong Growth: Known for their sturdy and upright growth habit, ensuring the flowers stand tall and proud throughout the blooming season.
• Long-Lasting Blooms: Provides a continuous display of vibrant colors from mid-summer through fall, ensuring your garden stays colorful all season long.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Tall, strong plants with dark green foliage, offering the perfect backdrop for the large, colorful blooms.
• Bloom Season: Blooms from mid-summer to fall, with a mix of colors appearing throughout the growing season.
• Growth Habit: Upright and bushy plants that typically reach 36–42 inches in height, making them ideal for both garden beds and containers.
• Size: The blooms are large, measuring 8–10 inches across, with fully double petals in a blend of passionate hues, including deep reds, pinks, and purples.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Plant Dahlia Passion Mix in late spring after the last frost, when soil temperatures are consistently above 60°F (15°C).
• Full sun is ideal for promoting optimal growth and maximizing bloom production.

Planting Details

• Bulb Depth: Plant the tubers 4–6 inches deep with the "eye" facing upwards.
• Spacing: Space plants 18–24 inches apart to allow for optimal air circulation and space for growth.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
• Sunlight: Full sun is best for healthy growth and vibrant blooms, though partial shade is acceptable in hotter climates.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Water consistently to maintain moist but well-drained soil. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, especially during dry periods.
• Avoid overhead watering to prevent the spread of fungal diseases.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting time and again when the plants reach about 6 inches tall. Continue fertilizing every 4–6 weeks during the growing season for healthy blooms.

Weeding and Mulching

• Regularly remove weeds around the plants to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
• Use mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain an even soil temperature.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Keep an eye on aphids, slugs, and spider mites. Consider using organic insecticides or neem oil for pest control.
• Diseases: Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Rotate crops annually to prevent disease buildup.

Harvesting

• For Blooms: Harvest flowers when fully open, but still firm to the touch. Cut stems early in the morning for the best freshness and vase life.
• For Tubers: After the first frost, carefully dig up the tubers, wash them, and allow them to dry before storing 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 prolong freshness. Long-Term: For winter storage, allow tubers to dry thoroughly before storing them in a cool, dry location (around 40°F or 4°C). Use a breathable container like a paper bag or box lined with sawdust or dry peat moss.

Culinary and Aesthetic Uses

• Aesthetic: Dahlia Passion Mix is perfect for adding a burst of color and drama to gardens, borders, and containers. The large blooms make it an eye-catching feature in any landscape.
• Floral Arrangements: These dahlias are perfect for creating luxurious bouquets and floral displays, adding texture, depth, and vibrant color to any arrangement.

Conclusion

Dahlia Passion Mix is a stunning collection of dinnerplate-sized blooms that will add vibrant colors and bold textures to any garden or floral arrangement. With a strong, upright growth habit and a mix of passionate colors, this variety is perfect for gardeners looking to make a statement. Whether used as a focal point in garden beds or as a showstopping cut flower, Dahlia Passion Mix is sure to impress.