Dahlia Seeds (Pompon) - Frank Holmes

Dahlia Frank Holmes is a delightful pompon variety known for its perfectly rounded, vibrant blooms that are a cheerful addition to any garden. The flowers, in a bright golden yellow hue, are compact and form dense, ball-shaped clusters. With its vibrant color and compact growth habit, Frank Holmes is a great choice for borders, containers, and floral arrangements, making it a standout in any garden display.

Key Benefits

• Vibrant Golden Blooms: Features bright golden yellow pompon flowers that bring cheerful color to your garden.
• Compact Growth Habit: Grows to a manageable height, making it perfect for borders and containers.
• Long-Lasting Blooms: The small, ball-shaped flowers last for a long period, providing consistent color throughout the growing season.
• Ideal for Floral Arrangements: Perfect for cutting, Frank Holmes adds a pop of color to bouquets and centerpieces.
• Easy to Grow: A great choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners due to its hardy and adaptable nature.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Features small, dense, ball-shaped flowers in bright golden yellow, with compact and bushy growth.
• Bloom Season: Blooms from mid-summer to fall, offering vibrant color throughout the growing season.
• Growth Habit: A compact variety, typically growing 18–24 inches tall, making it ideal for smaller garden spaces or containers.
• Size: The pompon flowers are around 2–3 inches in diameter, creating a lovely round shape perfect for visual interest.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Plant Dahlia Frank Holmes in spring, once the threat of frost has passed and the soil temperature reaches 60°F (15°C) or higher.
• It thrives in full sun but can tolerate light shade in warmer climates.

Planting Details

• Bulb Depth: Plant tubers 4–6 inches deep, with the “eye” (sprouting point) facing upwards.
• Spacing: Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow for proper growth and airflow.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Avoid areas where water may pool or soil remains wet for extended periods.
• Sunlight: Needs full sun for best growth and maximum blooming, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist, particularly during dry periods. Water deeply to encourage strong roots and healthy growth.
• Aim to provide about 1 inch of water per week.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting time and again when the plants reach about 6 inches in height to encourage healthy growth and vibrant blooms.

Weeding and Mulching

• Regularly weed around the base of the plants to prevent competition for nutrients.
• Mulch around the plants to maintain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Watch for aphids, slugs, and snails, which may affect the plant. Treat with insecticidal soap or natural pest control methods.
• Diseases: Ensure good air circulation around the plants and avoid over-watering to prevent fungal diseases. Practice crop rotation to help minimize disease build-up.

Harvesting

• For Blooms: Harvest flowers when they are fully open but still firm. Cut them early in the morning and place them in water immediately for extended vase life.
• For Tubers: After the first frost, dig up the tubers carefully and store them in a cool, dry place for winter storage.

Storage

Short-Term: Store cut flowers in a vase with fresh water, changing the water every few days to prolong their freshness.
Long-Term: Store tubers in a cool, dry location (around 40°F or 4°C) and keep them in a dry medium like peat moss or sawdust during winter to prevent rot.

Culinary and Aesthetic Uses

• Aesthetic: Dahlia Frank Holmes brings cheerful, bright golden yellow blooms that are perfect for borders, beds, or container gardens. It works wonderfully as a focal point in garden designs or adds a pop of color in mixed plantings.
• Floral Arrangements: The small, ball-shaped flowers are great for cutting and making vibrant floral arrangements, adding brightness to bouquets, wreaths, or centerpieces.

Conclusion

Dahlia Frank Holmes is a lively and compact variety, known for its bright golden yellow, pompon-shaped flowers. It’s perfect for adding cheerful color to your garden and floral arrangements, and with its easy-to-grow nature, it’s suitable for gardeners of all skill levels. Whether used as a border plant, in containers, or as a cut flower, Frank Holmes is sure to make a statement in your garden.