Dahlia Seeds (Waterlily) - Apricot Desire

Dahlia Apricot Desire is a stunning waterlily-type dahlia, known for its soft apricot-colored blooms with a delicate, romantic appearance. The large, ruffled petals create a luxurious display, making this variety an eye-catching addition to any garden. Its graceful form and warm hues make it perfect for flower beds, containers, or as a standout cut flower.

Key Benefits

• Soft Apricot Color: The gentle apricot hue adds a warm, inviting glow to gardens and floral arrangements.
• Waterlily Shape: The unique waterlily form with curled, ruffled petals makes it visually distinct and elegant.
• Long-Lasting Blooms: Flowers persist from mid-summer to fall, providing extended color and beauty in your garden.
• Great for Cut Flowers: Excellent for bouquets and arrangements, with long-lasting blooms that maintain their color and form in vases.
• Easy to Grow: Ideal for gardeners of all experience levels, with simple care requirements and a robust growth habit.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Tall plants with large, ruffled petals that form a waterlily-like shape. The blooms are apricot in color, fading slightly at the tips for a soft, gradient effect.
• Bloom Season: Blooms from mid-summer to fall, ensuring long-lasting beauty in your garden.
• Growth Habit: Typically grows between 30–36 inches tall, making it ideal for the back of garden borders or as a striking focal point in larger containers.
• Size: The blooms reach up to 6 inches in diameter, creating a full, lush display.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Dahlia Apricot Desire should be planted in spring once the soil has warmed to above 60°F (15°C) and the risk of frost has passed.
• This variety prefers full sun but can tolerate some light shade in warmer regions.

Planting Details

• Bulb Depth: Plant tubers 4–6 inches deep, ensuring the “eye” (sprouting point) is facing upward.
• Spacing: Space plants 18–24 inches apart to allow for good airflow and prevent overcrowding.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogging.
• Sunlight: Full sun is ideal for optimal growth and blooming, though some afternoon shade can be beneficial in very hot climates.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging. Water deeply to encourage strong root development and robust plant growth.
• Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, adjusting based on weather conditions.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) at planting time and again when the plants reach about 6 inches in height to support healthy growth and prolific blooming.

Weeding and Mulching

• Regularly remove weeds to reduce competition for nutrients, but take care not to disturb the shallow roots.
• Mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, keep the soil cool, and prevent weed growth.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Monitor for common pests such as aphids, slugs, and snails. Insecticidal soap or natural pest control can help manage infestations.
• Diseases: Good air circulation is important to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Practice crop rotation to reduce disease buildup.

Harvesting

• For Blooms: Harvest flowers when fully open, but still firm, for the best vase life. Cutting early in the morning ensures the freshest flowers.
• For Tubers: After the first frost, carefully dig up the tubers and store them in a cool, dry place for the winter to ensure they survive until the next planting season.

Storage

Short-Term: Store cut flowers in a vase with fresh water. Change the water every 2–3 days to prolong the life of the blooms.
Long-Term: Tubers should be stored in a cool, dry area (around 40°F or 4°C), in a medium such as peat moss or sawdust, to keep them from freezing or rotting during the winter months.

Culinary and Aesthetic Uses

• Aesthetic: The Apricot Desire dahlia is perfect for adding a romantic, soft hue to flower beds, borders, or containers. Its graceful waterlily form and apricot color make it a stunning focal point.
• Floral Arrangements: With its unique appearance and long-lasting blooms, this dahlia is an excellent choice for bouquets and floral arrangements, adding a touch of elegance to any occasion.

Conclusion

Dahlia Apricot Desire is an exquisite waterlily-type dahlia with soft, apricot-colored blooms that offer a warm, romantic touch to any garden or floral arrangement. With its easy-to-grow nature, long-lasting flowers, and eye-catching shape, it’s a perfect addition to any flower bed or container. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your garden or create stunning floral arrangements, this variety will deliver continuous beauty throughout the growing season.