Dharaseeds
Dahlia Seeds (Ball) - Isabel
Estimated delivery between February 05 and February 08.
The Dahlia Isabel is a captivating ball dahlia variety, known for its perfectly round, symmetrical blooms and rich, vibrant color. This dahlia produces striking flowers with tightly packed petals that radiate from the center, creating a full, ball-like shape. Dahlia Isabel is an excellent choice for adding bold color and structure to gardens, flower beds, and containers. Its compact growth habit makes it perfect for smaller spaces or as part of a colorful display in larger gardens.
Key Benefits
- Vibrant, Rich Color: Features deep, rich hues, often in shades of red, purple, or pink, making it a standout in the garden.
- Compact and Symmetrical Blooms: The perfectly round shape of the blooms gives them a neat and tidy appearance, adding structure and style to garden displays.
- Long-Lasting Blooms: Enjoy a long blooming period from mid-summer through fall, providing consistent color and interest.
- Ideal for Cut Flowers: The striking ball-shaped blooms make this variety perfect for creating beautiful floral arrangements, bouquets, and centerpieces.
- Attracts Pollinators: Bees and butterflies are drawn to the flowers, helping to pollinate the garden and promote biodiversity.
Variety Features
- Plant Characteristics: Compact, bushy plants with symmetrical, ball-shaped blooms that stand out in the garden.
- Bloom Season: Blooms from mid-summer to fall, ensuring continuous color throughout the growing season.
- Growth Habit: Low to medium-height plants that grow in a bushy, rounded form, making them ideal for smaller gardens or container plantings.
- Size: Typically grows 18–24 inches tall, making it perfect for the front or middle of flower beds.
Planting Instructions
Planting Season
- Plant Dahlia Isabel in the spring after the last frost, once the soil temperature is consistently above 60°F (15°C).
- Ensure that the risk of frost has passed, as dahlias need warm temperatures to thrive and bloom.
Planting Details
- Bulb Depth: Plant tubers about 4–6 inches deep with the "eye" or sprouting point facing upwards.
- Spacing: Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and room for the plants to grow.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).
- Sunlight: Needs full sun for at least 6 hours per day to encourage strong growth and abundant blooms.
Care Instructions
Watering
- Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Dahlia Isabel requires about 1 inch of water per week. Water deeply to encourage strong root development.
Fertilization
- Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting time and again when plants are about 6 inches tall for optimal growth and blooming. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Weeding and Mulching
- Regularly weed around the plants to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
- Apply mulch to retain soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and keep the soil cool.
Pest and Disease Control
- Pests: Watch for common dahlia pests like aphids, slugs, and snails. Use organic pest control methods such as neem oil or insecticidal soap to manage these pests.
- Diseases: Keep an eye out for fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Ensure good air circulation around the plants and avoid watering the foliage to reduce the risk of disease.
Harvesting
- For Blooms: Cut flowers when they are fully open but still fresh. Use a sharp knife or garden scissors to cut stems at an angle.
- For Tubers: After the first frost, dig up the tubers carefully, clean them, and store them in a cool, dry location for the winter to ensure they remain healthy for next season's planting.
Storage
Short-Term: Freshly cut Dahlia Isabel flowers can be stored in water. Change the water every few days to maintain freshness.
Long-Term: Store dahlia tubers in a cool, dry location (around 40°F/4°C) during the winter months. Pack the tubers in peat moss or sawdust to prevent drying out.
Culinary and Aesthetic Uses
- Aesthetic: Dahlia Isabel brings rich, vibrant color and a neat, symmetrical appearance to flower beds, borders, and containers. Its compact size makes it perfect for smaller spaces or creating a layered garden effect.
- Floral Arrangements: The ball-shaped blooms are perfect for creating stunning bouquets and arrangements for weddings, special occasions, or as a focal point in floral displays.
Conclusion
Dahlia Isabel is a stunning ball dahlia variety known for its vibrant, rich blooms and compact, symmetrical growth. Perfect for adding bold color to flower beds, borders, or containers, this dahlia is also an excellent choice for cut flowers and floral arrangements. Easy to grow and maintain, Dahlia Isabel is a must-have for any gardener looking to add color, structure, and beauty to their landscape.