Dahlia ‘Gallery Art Fair’ PBR

Description

Dahlia ‘Gallery Art Fair’ PBR is an elegant variety featuring crisp white flowers with a vibrant lime yellow centre. It is a long-flowering dahlia that blooms throughout the summer, continuing until the first frosts. This comprehensive guide will ensure that your Dahlia ‘Gallery Art Fair’ PBR thrives, offering a stunning addition to your garden for many months.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Dahlia ‘Gallery Art Fair’ PBR is in spring when the soil has warmed up. This allows the tubers to establish strong roots before the growing season, ensuring a healthy plant with beautiful flowers.
• Autumn: Dahlia ‘Gallery Art Fair’ PBR can also be planted in early autumn, but spring planting is generally preferred for better blooming results. The earlier you plant, the more time the plant has to settle in before the colder months.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Dahlia ‘Gallery Art Fair’ PBR thrives in full sun, which is essential for strong growth and vibrant flower production. Choose a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to encourage healthy blooms.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is a must for Dahlias. This plant does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, so it’s important to ensure good drainage. Improve soil quality by adding organic matter such as compost, which will support root development and overall plant health.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice the width and the same depth as the tuber. This provides ample space for the roots to spread and grow freely.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or organic matter into the soil to improve its fertility and drainage. Dahlia benefits from nutrient-rich soil, which promotes vigorous growth and vibrant flowering.
3. Planting: Place the tuber into the prepared hole, ensuring that the “eyes” (the small growth points) are facing upwards. Cover the tuber with soil, and gently firm the soil to remove air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and encourage the roots to establish. Ensure the soil drains well to avoid waterlogging, which can harm the plant.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once your Dahlia is established, it is moderately drought-tolerant. Water the plant regularly during dry spells, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot and other issues.
• Dormant Season: During the dormant season, reduce watering. Dahlia ‘Gallery Art Fair’ PBR requires minimal water when it is not actively growing. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry.

Feeding

• Spring: In early spring, apply a balanced fertiliser to give Dahlia ‘Gallery Art Fair’ PBR a strong start to the growing season. This will encourage healthy growth and vibrant flowers throughout the blooming period.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer will help the plant continue to bloom and maintain its vigour during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilising, as this can lead to excess foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers from Dahlia ‘Gallery Art Fair’ PBR. Deadheading encourages the plant to produce more blooms and keeps it looking tidy throughout the season.
• Autumn Pruning: After the last blooms fade in autumn, cut the plant back to ground level. This prepares it for winter dormancy and ensures better growth the following spring.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your Dahlia in spring to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use organic materials like bark chips or compost for the best results.
• Winter: If you live in an area with colder winters, adding mulch in winter can help protect the tubers from freezing temperatures, ensuring the plant survives until the next growing season.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Dahlia ‘Gallery Art Fair’ PBR typically has sturdy stems, but it may still benefit from staking if grown in windy conditions. Staking will help support the plant and prevent damage, ensuring the flowers remain upright and undamaged.

Final Tips

Dahlia ‘Gallery Art Fair’ PBR is a beautiful and long-flowering plant that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. By following the tips in this guide, you will ensure that your Dahlia ‘Gallery Art Fair’ PBR grows strong and blooms profusely from summer to the first frosts. Whether planted in borders, containers, or as part of a larger flower display, this dahlia variety will bring a vibrant splash of white and lime yellow to your garden.

RHS Details

See more Dahlias from Proctors