A delightful variety with rich, chocolate coloured flowers over finely cut, dark, almost black foliage. Flowers through summer to the first hard frosts of autumn. Loved by bees and other insects. Height and Spread 40cm. Full sun/part shade. Well-drained soil.
Dahlia Dreamy ‘Hot Chocolate’ is a striking and vibrant addition to any garden, boasting stunning, deep chocolate-red blooms that are perfect for adding rich colour and texture to your outdoor space. To ensure that your Dahlia Dreamy ‘Hot Chocolate’ thrives, follow this comprehensive planting and care guide tailored to ensure optimal growth and flowering.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: The best time to plant Dahlia Dreamy ‘Hot Chocolate’ is in spring when the soil begins to warm. This allows the tubers to establish roots before the growing season begins, ensuring a strong and healthy plant.
After the Last Frost: Wait until after the last frost date before planting, as Dahlia Dreamy ‘Hot Chocolate’ is sensitive to cold temperatures. Planting after frost ensures the tubers are not exposed to chilly conditions that may stunt growth.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Dahlia thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Plant it in a spot where it will receive maximum sunlight to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
Soil: Well-drained, rich soil is crucial for Dahlia Dreamy ‘Hot Chocolate’. Avoid planting in areas where water tends to pool, as the tubers are susceptible to rot in soggy conditions. Incorporate organic matter, such as compost, to improve soil fertility and drainage.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole large enough to comfortably accommodate the Dahlia tuber, roughly 10-15 cm deep and wide. Ensure the hole is deep enough to give the tuber enough space for roots to develop.
Soil Preparation: Enhance the soil by mixing in organic compost or well-rotted manure to increase fertility. This will encourage healthy root growth and abundant blooms.
Planting: Place the tuber in the hole with the “eyes” (the growing points) facing upward. Gently backfill the hole with soil and firm it down lightly to eliminate air pockets.
Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Watering after planting encourages the tuber to settle in and start growing.
Watering Requirements
Growing Season: Dahlia Dreamy ‘Hot Chocolate’ prefers regular watering during its growing season. Water deeply, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between sessions. Be cautious not to overwater, as Dahlia tubers can rot in overly wet conditions.
During Dry Spells: During prolonged dry spells, water your Dahlia Dreamy ‘Hot Chocolate’ to keep the soil moist, but always ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Dormant Season: In the dormant season, reduce watering. Your dahlia will enter a rest phase, so minimal watering is necessary.
Feeding
Early Spring: Before planting, enrich the soil with a balanced fertiliser or compost. This provides Dahlia Dreamy ‘Hot Chocolate’ with the nutrients it needs to establish strong roots and vibrant flowers.
• Mid-Summer: Apply a light dose of fertiliser around mid-summer to encourage continuous blooming. Use a fertiliser with a balanced nutrient ratio, or one higher in potassium to support flower development.
Pruning
Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to promote new blooms and keep the plant tidy. Deadheading helps maintain the aesthetic appeal of your garden and encourages further flowering throughout the season.
Autumn Pruning: After the first frost, cut back the foliage of Dahlia Dreamy ‘Hot Chocolate’ to ground level. This prevents the plant from wasting energy on dying leaves and helps the plant prepare for winter dormancy.
Mulching
Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of Dahlia Dreamy ‘Hot Chocolate’ in spring to retain moisture and suppress weed growth. Organic mulches like bark chips or straw also help regulate soil temperature, benefiting the plant’s root system.
Winter: In regions with colder winters, apply a thicker mulch layer in late autumn to protect the tubers from freezing temperatures. This will ensure the Dahlia tubers remain safe throughout the dormant period and will be ready to regrow in the spring.
Supporting the Plant
Staking: Due to the tall, upright growth habit of Dahlia Dreamy ‘Hot Chocolate’, staking is often necessary to support the stems. Use sturdy stakes or supports to prevent the plant from being damaged by wind or heavy blooms.
Final Tips
Dahlia Dreamy ‘Hot Chocolate’ is a show-stopping flower that adds rich, deep colour to your garden. By following the proper planting, watering, and care instructions outlined in this guide, you can enjoy abundant blooms throughout the growing season. Regular deadheading, careful watering, and seasonal pruning will help your Dahlia thrive year after year.
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