Dharaseeds
Dahlia Seeds (Decorative) - Sweet Nathalie
Estimated delivery between February 05 and February 08.
Dahlia Sweet Nathalie is a stunning decorative dahlia variety known for its soft pink blooms with a delicate, creamy white center. This elegant and charming flower creates a lovely contrast in any garden, making it a perfect choice for gardeners who love pastel colors and sophisticated designs. Its compact size and vibrant color also make it ideal for both garden beds and containers.
Key Benefits
- Soft Pink and White Blooms: The combination of pale pink petals and creamy white centers creates a gentle and sophisticated appearance, adding a touch of elegance to any garden.
- Fully Double Flowers: Each bloom features layers of petals that are densely packed, creating lush, full flowers that hold their shape throughout the blooming season.
- Compact Growth Habit: Dahlia Sweet Nathalie reaches a moderate height, making it ideal for smaller garden spaces, containers, or the front of flower beds.
- Great for Cut Flowers: These delicate flowers are perfect for cutting and adding to floral arrangements, providing long-lasting beauty.
- Prolific Bloomer: Dahlia Sweet Nathalie produces a high volume of flowers, ensuring a continuous show of color throughout the growing season.
Variety Features
- Plant Characteristics: Compact plants with fully double flowers in soft pink and creamy white, growing to a height of 18–24 inches. The blooms are large, measuring up to 4–6 inches in diameter.
- Bloom Season: Blooms from mid-summer to fall, offering color and texture to gardens during the warmer months.
- Growth Habit: Upright plants that are well-suited for flower beds, containers, or mixed borders, providing a refined touch to any space.
- Size: Blooms can reach up to 6 inches in diameter, with the plant height ranging from 18–24 inches, making it ideal for smaller to medium-sized gardens.
Planting Instructions
Planting Season
- Plant Dahlia Sweet Nathalie in late spring after the last frost, when the soil has warmed to at least 60°F (15°C).
- Full sun is ideal, though it can tolerate light afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates.
Planting Details
- Bulb Depth: Plant the tubers 4–6 inches deep, ensuring the "eye" or sprouting point is facing upwards.
- Spacing: Space plants 12–18 inches apart to ensure proper air circulation and room for the flowers to bloom fully.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
- Sunlight: Full sun ensures the best flower production, although light shade is acceptable in hot climates.
Care Instructions
Watering
- Water deeply but avoid waterlogging. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Aim for 1 inch of water per week.
- Ensure the water reaches the root zone to encourage strong growth.
Fertilization
- Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at planting time and again when the plant reaches 6 inches in height. Fertilize every 4–6 weeks to support continued growth and blooming.
Weeding and Mulching
- Keep the area around the plant free of weeds, which can compete for nutrients.
- Use mulch to maintain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature.
Pest and Disease Control
- Pests: Watch for aphids, snails, and slugs, which can damage the foliage and blooms. Use organic pest control solutions such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Diseases: Prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. Rotate crops annually to minimize disease risks.
Harvesting
- For Blooms: Harvest flowers when they are fully open but still firm to the touch. Cut early in the morning for the longest vase life.
- For Tubers: After the first frost, dig up the tubers and store them in a cool, dry place to preserve them for the next season.
Storage
Short-Term: Cut flowers can be stored in a vase with water, changing the water every 2-3 days to keep them fresh.
Long-Term: Store dahlia tubers in a cool, dry area at 40°F (4°C) during the winter months. Ensure the tubers are dry before storing them, and protect them from freezing temperatures.
Culinary and Aesthetic Uses
- Aesthetic: Dahlia Sweet Nathalie is perfect for adding a soft, romantic touch to gardens, floral arrangements, or as a charming addition to a flower border.
- Floral Arrangements: Its delicate color and full blooms make it an excellent choice for bouquets, centerpieces, and decorative arrangements that evoke a refined, timeless look.
Conclusion
Dahlia Sweet Nathalie is a beautifully delicate variety that adds sophistication and charm to any garden or floral display. With its soft pink and white blooms, compact growth, and prolific flowering, it’s a perfect option for both beginners and experienced gardeners. Whether grown for its beauty in the garden or its usefulness in cut flower arrangements, this dahlia variety is sure to impress.