Dahlia Seeds (Dinnerplate) - Cafe au Lait

The Dahlia Cafe au Lait is a stunning dinnerplate variety, known for its large, soft, and creamy blooms that exhibit a beautiful blend of beige, blush, and pale pink hues. These show-stopping flowers create a dramatic presence in gardens and floral arrangements. With their oversized blooms and elegant color palette, Cafe au Lait Dahlias are perfect for creating focal points in flower beds or cutting gardens. These dahlias are also a favorite for wedding bouquets and special events due to their sophisticated beauty and long-lasting flowers.

Key Benefits

• Large, Elegant Blooms: Features dinnerplate-sized blooms that can reach up to 10–12 inches in diameter, making them the highlight of any garden.
• Sophisticated Color Palette: Soft shades of beige, blush, and pale pink blend beautifully, offering an elegant touch to floral arrangements.
• Long-Lasting Flowers: Blooms are long-lasting, making them ideal for both gardens and floral design.
• Attracts Pollinators: Draws bees and butterflies, contributing to the health of your garden ecosystem.
• Versatile in the Garden: Perfect for garden beds, cutting gardens, or large containers.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Sturdy, upright stems that support the large, heavy blooms.
• Bloom Season: Blooms in mid-summer to fall, providing a long display of color.
• Growth Habit: Tall, bushy plants with large, decorative blooms that are ideal for garden borders or as centerpiece plants.
• Size: Typically grows 36–48 inches tall, making it perfect for larger spaces, containers, or as a backdrop in garden beds.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Plant dahlia Seeds in the spring after the last frost has passed and the soil has warmed up.
• Dahlias are sensitive to frost and should be planted after the danger of frost has passed.

Planting Details

• Bulb Depth: Plant Seeds 4–6 inches deep, with the “eye” or sprouting point facing upwards.
• Spacing: Space Seeds 18–24 inches apart to allow for proper growth and airflow.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH (6.0–7.0).
• Sunlight: Requires full sun for at least 6 hours a day to produce the best blooms.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the growing season, but ensure the soil drains well to prevent waterlogging.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost at planting time and again mid-season to encourage strong growth and abundant flowers.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can lead to lush foliage with fewer blooms.

Weeding and Mulching

• Keep the area around the dahlias free of weeds to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
• Mulch around the base to retain moisture and keep the soil cool.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Watch for aphids, spider mites, and slugs, which can damage dahlias. Use organic insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests.
• Diseases: Dahlias are susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew and rust. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent these issues.

Harvesting

• For Blooms: Cut flowers when fully open but before they begin to fade for the longest vase life.
• For Bulbs: After the first frost, dig up the Seeds and store them for the winter in a cool, dry place.

Storage

Short-Term: Store cut flowers in a cool, dry place, and change the water frequently for optimal freshness.
Long-Term: After the growing season, dig up the bulbs, clean them, and store them in a cool, dry place (around 40°F or 4°C) in peat moss or sawdust until ready for replanting in spring.

Culinary and Aesthetic Uses

• Aesthetic: Cafe au Lait Dahlias make a stunning addition to flower beds, borders, or as focal points in garden design. Their soft, elegant blooms add a touch of sophistication and are perfect for floral arrangements, especially for weddings and special events.
• Floral Arrangements: These large, beautiful flowers are often used in high-end floral design due to their size, color, and long-lasting nature.

Conclusion

The Dahlia Cafe au Lait is a breathtaking variety that brings beauty, elegance, and sophistication to any garden. With its large, creamy blooms and stunning color palette, this dahlia is a favorite among gardeners and florists alike. Whether used in flower beds, containers, or as cut flowers, the Cafe au Lait Dahlia will enhance your garden or home with its undeniable charm.