Dharaseeds
Dahlia Seeds (Decorative) - Aphrodite
Estimated delivery between February 05 and February 08.
The Dahlia Aphrodite is a stunning decorative dahlia variety that exudes elegance and grace with its delicate pink and white blooms. The soft, pastel-colored petals blend seamlessly, creating a romantic and serene look in any garden or floral arrangement. With its large, lush flowers and long-lasting blooms, the Aphrodite Dahlia is a perfect choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of sophistication and charm to their outdoor spaces or indoor bouquets.
Key Benefits
- Elegant Color: Features soft pink petals with a subtle white edge, creating a delicate, romantic appearance.
- Large, Showy Blooms: Each flower reaches up to 6–8 inches across, making it a striking feature in gardens or as part of floral arrangements.
- Long Blooming Period: Blooms from mid-summer through fall, providing continuous color and visual interest in your garden.
- Ideal for Cut Flowers: The soft, pastel-colored flowers are perfect for bouquets, centerpieces, and other floral designs.
- Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant blooms attract bees and butterflies, helping to pollinate your garden and promote biodiversity.
Variety Features
- Plant Characteristics: Strong, upright plants with sturdy stems that can support the large, decorative blooms.
- Bloom Season: Blooms from mid-summer to fall, providing an extended period of color.
- Growth Habit: Compact, bushy plants with a slightly rounded form, making it ideal for both garden beds and containers.
- Size: Grows to a height of 36–42 inches, making it suitable for the middle or back of garden beds or as a striking feature in larger plantings.
Planting Instructions
Planting Season
- Plant Dahlia Aphrodite in the spring, after the last frost, when the soil temperature reaches 60°F (15°C) or higher.
- Wait until all frost risks have passed to ensure successful growth.
Planting Details
- Bulb Depth: Plant tubers 4–6 inches deep, with the "eye" or sprouting point facing upwards.
- Spacing: Space tubers 18–24 inches apart to allow for proper growth and airflow.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).
- Sunlight: Full sun for at least 6 hours a day to ensure optimal growth and flowering.
Care Instructions
Watering
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply, especially during dry spells, to promote strong root development.
Fertilization
- Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting time and again when the plants reach about 6 inches tall for optimal blooming.
- Avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen, which can result in excessive foliage growth and fewer flowers.
Weeding and Mulching
- Regularly weed around the plants to prevent competition for nutrients and moisture.
- Use mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Pest and Disease Control
- Pests: Watch for aphids, slugs, and snails. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Diseases: Ensure proper air circulation to prevent fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage.
Harvesting
- For Blooms: Harvest when the flowers are fully open but still fresh. Cut the stems at an angle to maximize the longevity of the blooms in arrangements.
- For Tubers: After the first frost, carefully dig up the tubers, clean them, and store them in a cool, dry location for winter storage.
Storage
Short-Term: For cut flowers, place them in water and change the water regularly to keep the blooms fresh.
Long-Term: Store dahlia tubers in a cool, dry area (around 40°F/4°C). Pack them in peat moss or sawdust to prevent drying out and ensure they remain healthy during winter.
Culinary and Aesthetic Uses
- Aesthetic: The Dahlia Aphrodite is perfect for adding a soft, romantic touch to any garden. Its pale pink and white blooms work well in both formal and informal garden designs.
- Floral Arrangements: The large, elegant blooms are perfect for cut-flower arrangements, centerpieces, and bouquets, adding a delicate and sophisticated element to any occasion.
Conclusion
The Dahlia Aphrodite is a beautiful and elegant variety, offering soft, pastel-colored blooms that add a touch of sophistication to gardens and floral arrangements alike. With its long-lasting flowers, ideal for cut flowers, and attractive appearance, it’s a perfect choice for gardeners who appreciate beauty, romance, and charm in their outdoor spaces. Whether planted in flower beds, containers, or used in stunning bouquets, the Aphrodite Dahlia is sure to impress.