Dahlia Seeds (Decorative) - Bonesta

The Dahlia Bonesta is a stunning decorative variety known for its brilliant, deep yellow blooms with a touch of orange at the tips of the petals. This bold and vibrant dahlia brings a cheerful and sunny energy to any garden. With large, striking flowers, the Bonesta Dahlia is perfect for creating a vibrant focal point in garden beds, borders, or containers. Its beautiful color and long-lasting blooms make it a favorite for both ornamental gardens and floral arrangements.

Key Benefits

• Vibrant Color: Features deep yellow petals with orange tips, creating a bold, eye-catching display.
• Large Blooms: Flowers up to 6–8 inches across, offering an impressive and showy addition to any garden or arrangement.
• Long Blooming Period: Enjoy continuous blooms from mid-summer through fall, providing extended color and interest.
• Perfect for Cut Flowers: The large, bright flowers are ideal for use in floral arrangements, bouquets, and centerpieces.
• Attracts Pollinators: Bees and butterflies are drawn to the bright blooms, helping pollinate your garden and promote a healthy ecosystem.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Tall, strong plants with sturdy stems that support the large blooms.
• Bloom Season: Blooms from mid-summer to fall, ensuring a long period of color.
• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy plants with an overall compact appearance, suitable for flower beds, borders, or containers.
• Size: Typically grows to 36–42 inches tall, making it ideal for the middle or back of garden beds or as a striking feature in larger garden designs.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Plant Dahlia Bonesta in the spring after the last frost, when the soil temperature is consistently above 60°F (15°C).
• Wait until all frost risks have passed to ensure optimal growth conditions.

Planting Details

• Bulb Depth: Plant tubers 4–6 inches deep, with the "eye" or sprouting point facing upwards.
• Spacing: Space Seeds 18–24 inches apart to ensure adequate air circulation and growth.
• 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 encourage strong growth and abundant blooms.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water deeply to promote strong roots, especially during dry spells.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting time and once during the growing season for best results.
• Avoid fertilizers with excessive nitrogen, which can encourage foliage growth at the expense of blooms.

Weeding and Mulching

• Regularly weed around the plants to prevent competition for nutrients and moisture.
• Use mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Monitor for aphids, slugs, and snails. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap.
• Diseases: Ensure proper air circulation to reduce the risk of fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage.

Harvesting

• For Blooms: Harvest blooms when they are fully open but still fresh. Cut the stems at an angle to maximize the vase life of the flowers.
• For Tubers: After the first frost, carefully dig up the tubers, clean them, and store them in a cool, dry place for winter storage.

Storage

Short-Term: For cut flowers, place them in water and change the water regularly to keep the blooms fresh for longer.
Long-Term: Store dahlia tubers in a cool, dry place (around 40°F/4°C). Pack tubers in peat moss or sawdust to prevent drying out and ensure they stay healthy throughout the winter months.

Culinary and Aesthetic Uses

• Aesthetic: The Dahlia Bonesta adds a vibrant pop of color to any garden or floral arrangement. Its bold yellow and orange blooms create a striking contrast with other flowers in your garden.
• Floral Arrangements: The large, radiant blooms are perfect for use in cut-flower arrangements, bringing a cheerful and sunny touch to any bouquet or centerpiece.

Conclusion

The Dahlia Bonesta is a truly eye-catching variety, known for its brilliant yellow and orange blooms that add vibrant color to any garden. Its large flowers and long-lasting blooms make it a fantastic choice for both ornamental gardens and floral arrangements. Whether planted in flower beds, containers, or used in bouquets, the Bonesta Dahlia is sure to bring a splash of sunshine and cheer to your garden or home.