Magnific dahlias are herbaceous perennials of the same-named genus (lat. Dahlia variabilis) from the Asteraceae family.
They arrived in Europe and North America two centuries ago from the sunny regions of Mexico, where wild dahlias still grow as native plants.
The genus of unsurpassed autumn queens contains 42 species and several thousand hybrids, and one of the most popular varieties is the dahlia pacific ocean.
What is Dahlia Pacific Ocean
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Like all other species, this variety grows from a thick underground tuber from which in the spring grow herbaceous erect and brittle stems with dark green, elongated elliptical leaves and jagged edges
From mid-July until the end of October, beautiful 2.5-inch-diameter flowers appear on the tops of the stems, consisting of several layers of ring-arranged, upward-curled petals with a yellow center and pink edges.
This robust plant grows almost three feet tall and two feet wide, forming a compact upright shrub.
How To Grow Dahlia Pacific Ocean
Pacific Ocean dahlia is not demanding to grow, and with a little adequate care, it will reciprocate with a stunning few months-long flower show. If you haven’t tried to grow this beauty yet, here is what you need to do step by step:
- Pretty Flowering Perennial Dahlias Provide a wonderful selection of color in your home garden, and also look great in spectacular cut flower bouquets.
Planting
The tubers of the Pacific Ocean dahlia can be planted in the ground only when its temperature has reached 60 F, which is in the northern hemisphere in the second half of April. Plant them at a depth of three to four inches and at a distance of at least 1.5 feet.
Soil
Dahlia prefers slightly acidic to neutral, well-drained soil rich in nutrients. You can enrich your garden soil with compost, manure, or fish bone meal to ensure that this fast-growing species has enough nutrients necessary for proper growth.
Fleshy tubers are prone to rot, so avoid heavy soils where water stays for a long time.
RELATED: Dahlia Flower Meaning and Symbolism
Light
If you want an abundance of flowers, choose a very sunny location because dahlias need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. If you plant it in a too shady area, it will become leggy and give you much fewer flowers.
Water
Dahlias pacific ocean are pretty thirsty garden plants, and they usually need additional watering at least once a week, especially in the hot summer months when the moisture from the soil evaporates quickly. It means that you cannot always rely on natural rainfall!
After all, hanging leaves will signal that the plant needs water if it happens for an extended period without natural precipitation.
Fertilization
If you have well prepared and fertilized the soil in the spring, dahlias usually will grow and bloom successfully without additional fertilization.
Yet, you can feed your dahlia pacific ocean once a month from June to September using NPK fertilizer with lower nitrogen and a higher content of phosphorus and potassium (5-10-10).
Overwinter
Although they are perennials, dahlias cannot overwinter in the soil in continental climates. So at the end of the season, cut the leaves and stems, dig the tubers out of the ground, clean them from the dirt, and place them in a dark, frost-free space to rest until new planting in the spring.
Unfortunately, this is the only way to save dahlias for the next season, and that is why they are said to be flowering plants only for diligent gardeners!
