
Dharaseeds
Dahlia Seeds (Ball) - Sweet Suzanne
Estimated delivery between March 23 and March 26.
Dahlia Sweet Suzanne is a striking ball-type dahlia with vibrant, coral-orange blooms that add a pop of color to any garden. The perfectly rounded flowers feature a rich, warm hue, making them a stunning focal point in garden beds, borders, or as part of a vibrant bouquet. Its compact growth and prolific blooming nature make it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners alike.
Key Benefits
- Vibrant Coral-Orange Blooms: Beautiful, warm, and eye-catching blooms that brighten up any garden space.
- Compact Growth Habit: Ideal for smaller spaces and containers, with a height of 18–24 inches.
- Prolific Blooms: Flowers consistently from mid-summer to fall, ensuring continuous color throughout the growing season.
- Great for Cut Flowers: Perfect for adding vibrant color to bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Low Maintenance: Easy to grow and care for, making it a great option for gardeners of all skill levels.
Variety Features
- Plant Characteristics: Compact plants with perfectly round, ball-shaped blooms in a vivid coral-orange hue.
- Bloom Season: Blooms from mid-summer to fall, providing an extended period of color and beauty.
- Growth Habit: Grows 18–24 inches tall, making it suitable for containers, borders, and smaller garden spaces.
- Size: The ball-shaped blooms typically measure 3–4 inches in diameter, creating a neat and attractive display.
Planting Instructions
Planting Season
- Plant Dahlia Sweet Suzanne in spring, once the danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature is above 60°F (15°C).
- This variety thrives in full sun, but can tolerate some light shade, especially in warmer climates.
Planting Details
- Bulb Depth: Plant tubers 4–6 inches deep with the “eye” (sprouting point) facing upward.
- Spacing: Space the plants 12–18 inches apart to provide room for growth and ensure good airflow.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Avoid overly wet conditions.
- Sunlight: Full sun is ideal, as it helps produce the best blooms and promotes healthy growth.
Care Instructions
Watering
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, especially during dry spells. Water deeply to promote healthy root systems.
- Provide about 1 inch of water per week, ensuring that the soil does not become waterlogged.
Fertilization
- Apply a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) when planting and again when the plants reach about 6 inches in height. This supports strong growth and vibrant blooms.
Weeding and Mulching
- Regularly remove weeds to avoid competition for nutrients, but take care not to disturb the shallow roots.
- Mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain an even soil temperature.
Pest and Disease Control
- Pests: Watch out for aphids, slugs, and snails. Insecticidal soap or natural pest control methods can help keep them in check.
- Diseases: Maintain good air circulation around the plants and avoid waterlogging to prevent fungal infections. Rotate crops each year to reduce disease risks.
Harvesting
- For Blooms: Harvest flowers when fully open but still firm for the best vase life. For a longer-lasting display, cut flowers early in the morning.
- For Tubers: After the first frost, carefully dig up the tubers and store them in a cool, dry place for the winter.
Storage
Short-Term: Cut flowers should be placed in a vase with fresh water, replacing the water every 2–3 days to keep them fresh.
Long-Term: Tubers should be stored in a cool, dry area (around 40°F or 4°C) in a dry medium like peat moss to prevent rot during the winter months.
Culinary and Aesthetic Uses
- Aesthetic: Dahlia Sweet Suzanne is an excellent choice for adding bold color to garden beds, borders, or containers. Its vibrant coral-orange blooms create a striking visual effect in any landscape.
- Floral Arrangements: The vibrant color of the flowers makes them perfect for cut flower arrangements, bouquets, and centerpieces, offering a cheerful, warm touch to any occasion.
Conclusion
Dahlia Sweet Suzanne is a beautiful ball-type dahlia with vibrant coral-orange blooms that add a splash of color to any garden or floral arrangement. Its compact size, prolific blooming nature, and ease of care make it a fantastic option for both beginners and experienced gardeners. Whether you're looking to enhance your garden beds, containers, or floral displays, Sweet Suzanne is sure to bring a cheerful, warm touch to your space.