Dahlia Seeds (Dinnerplate) - Ottos Thrill

Dahlia Otto’s Thrill is a stunning, dinnerplate-sized variety known for its large, vibrant, and richly colored blooms. The bold, bright red flowers with hints of orange are perfect for adding drama and excitement to any garden. With its vigorous growth and impressive flower size, Otto’s Thrill is a true showstopper that will stand out in any flower bed or border. This variety is perfect for both garden displays and floral arrangements, where its massive blooms can be showcased.

Key Benefits

• Large, Vibrant Blooms: Features enormous dinnerplate-sized blooms in a striking red and orange blend, perfect for creating a dramatic garden display.
• Vigorous Growth: Known for its strong, upright stems and abundant flowering, Otto’s Thrill grows vigorously, producing numerous large flowers.
• Long-Lasting Flowers: The blooms stay vibrant for weeks, adding a lasting impact to your garden or floral arrangements.
• Ideal for Floral Arrangements: Its large, beautiful blooms are perfect for cutting and making eye-catching bouquets.
• Easy to Grow: Suitable for gardeners of all skill levels, from beginners to experts.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Large, red-orange flowers that can reach up to 10–12 inches in diameter, creating a bold and impressive display.
• Bloom Season: Blooms from mid-summer to fall, providing vibrant color during the growing season.
• Growth Habit: Upright stems that can support large flowers, growing to a height of 36–48 inches.
• Size: The blooms are large, reaching up to 12 inches across, making it a true standout in any garden.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Plant Dahlia Otto’s Thrill in the spring, once the last frost has passed, and the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F (15°C).
• Best suited for full sun, though it can tolerate light shade in warmer climates.

Planting Details

• Bulb Depth: Plant tubers 4–6 inches deep, ensuring the “eye” or sprouting point faces upwards.
• Spacing: Space plants 18–24 inches apart to give them plenty of room to grow and thrive.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Well-draining soil is essential to avoid waterlogging.
• Sunlight: Requires full sun for the best flowering, ideally 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply to encourage strong root development, especially during dry spells.
• Aim for about 1 inch of water per week.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting time, and again when plants reach 6 inches tall for strong growth and abundant flowering.

Weeding and Mulching

• Keep the garden area free of weeds to prevent competition for nutrients.
• Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Watch for aphids, slugs, and snails. Treat with insecticidal soap or natural pest control methods.
• Diseases: To prevent fungal diseases, ensure proper spacing for air circulation and avoid watering from above. Rotate crops annually and practice good garden hygiene.

Harvesting

• For Blooms: Harvest flowers when they are fully open but still firm. Use sharp shears to cut the stems at an angle, placing them immediately in water for longer vase life.
• For Tubers: After the first frost, dig up the tubers and store them in a cool, dry location for winter storage. Allow them to dry and store in a medium like peat moss or sawdust.

Storage

Short-Term: Cut flowers can be placed in a vase with fresh water. Change the water every few days to prolong their vase life.
Long-Term: Store tubers in a cool, dry place (around 40°F or 4°C) for the winter. Ensure they are kept in a dry, dark location, and store them in a medium like peat moss to prevent drying out.

Culinary and Aesthetic Uses

• Aesthetic: Dahlia Otto’s Thrill is a true showstopper, with its massive blooms and bold color making it perfect for garden displays, borders, or as a focal point in floral arrangements.
• Floral Arrangements: The large, vibrant blooms make it an excellent choice for cutting and creating dramatic flower bouquets, centerpieces, and floral displays.

Conclusion

Dahlia Otto’s Thrill is an impressive and stunning variety, with its large, vibrant blooms and vigorous growth making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to create a dramatic and colorful display. Whether grown in garden beds or used for floral arrangements, Otto’s Thrill will add excitement and beauty with its enormous red-orange blooms.