Dahlia Dreamy™ 'Fantasy'

Dahlia Dreamy™ 'Fantasy' is a stunning dahlia variety known for its beautiful, dark foliage and striking blooms in shades of pink and purple. These dahlias are perfect for adding vibrant color to gardens, borders, and containers. To ensure their optimal growth and prolific blooming, here are comprehensive care details organized under three main headings: planting, watering and feeding, and pruning and maintenance.

Planting

• Site Selection:

  • Choose a location with full sun exposure. Dahlias thrive best in full sun, needing at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
  • Ensure the site has good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases but is protected from strong, drying winds.

• Soil Preparation:

  • Plant in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Amend heavy clay or sandy soils with compost or well-rotted manure to improve texture and fertility.
  • Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 6.5 to 7.0, to support healthy growth and blooming.

• Planting Process:

  • Dig a hole about 6-8 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate the tuber.
  • Mix the excavated soil with compost to enrich it.
  • Place the dahlia tuber horizontally in the hole with the eye (a small sprout) facing up. Cover with 2-3 inches of soil initially and fill in as the plant grows.
  • Space multiple plants about 18-24 inches apart to allow for adequate growth and air circulation.
  • Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the tubers.

Watering and Feeding

• Watering:

  • Water deeply and regularly, especially during the growing season. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
  • Water at the base of the plant early in the morning to minimize moisture on the foliage, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
  • During dry periods, water the plants 2-3 times per week. In cooler or rainy periods, adjust the watering frequency accordingly.

• Feeding:

  • Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) every 3-4 weeks during the growing season, starting when the plants are about 6 inches tall.
  • Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can encourage excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
  • Incorporate organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, into the soil annually to maintain soil fertility and promote healthy growth.

Pruning and Maintenance

• Pruning:

  • Pinch out the growing tips when the plants are about 12-16 inches tall to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.
  • Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased foliage promptly to maintain plant health.
  • Thin out overcrowded stems to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease.

• Deadheading:

  • Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.
  • Cut back to a healthy set of leaves or a lateral bud to promote new flower growth.

• Staking and Support:

  • Dahlias, especially taller varieties, may need staking to support their stems and prevent them from toppling over. Insert stakes at planting time to avoid damaging the tubers.
  • Use soft ties to secure the stems to the stakes, ensuring they are not too tight to avoid damaging the plant.

Winter Protection

• Winter Care:
  • Dahlias are not frost-tolerant and need protection in colder climates. After the first frost, cut back the foliage to about 2-4 inches above the ground.
  • Carefully dig up the tubers, brush off excess soil, and allow them to dry for a few days in a cool, dry place.
  • Store the tubers in a box or paper bag filled with slightly damp peat moss, sand, or vermiculite. Keep them in a cool, dark, frost-free place until spring.
  • In warmer climates where the ground does not freeze, you can leave the tubers in the ground, but apply a thick layer of mulch to protect them from cold temperatures.

Summary

Dahlia Dreamy™ 'Fantasy' is a captivating and resilient plant that enhances garden aesthetics with its vibrant blooms and dark foliage. By selecting the right planting site, ensuring regular watering and feeding, and practicing diligent pruning and maintenance, you can enjoy the stunning beauty and continuous flowering of this dahlia variety. With proper care, Dahlia Dreamy™ 'Fantasy' will thrive, providing a vivid display of color and elegance in your garden space

• Latin name
  Dahlia Dreamy™ 'Fantasy'
• Size
  2L

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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