Dahlia ‘Labella Maggiore Fun Fire’

Description

Dahlia ‘Labella Maggiore Fun Fire’ is an eye-catching, exotic-looking Dahlia with large, fiery-orange blooms, tipped with red, that provide vibrant colour from July until the first frosts. This compact, hardy plant grows to a height of 60cm and a spread of 30cm, making it perfect for borders or containers. With the right care, this Dahlia will be a stunning addition to your garden. Follow this comprehensive planting and aftercare guide to help your Dahlia thrive.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant Dahlia ‘Labella Maggiore Fun Fire’ is in late spring, once all risk of frost has passed. This allows the plant to establish strong roots and produce the vibrant flowers that Dahlia ‘Labella Maggiore Fun Fire’ is known for.
• Autumn: You may also plant Dahlia in early autumn, provided that there is still enough warmth for the plant to settle in before the cooler months. However, spring planting will typically yield stronger growth.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Dahlia thrives in full sun, making it ideal for bright garden spots. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to encourage optimal flowering.
• Soil: Ensure well-drained soil for Dahlia. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, so good drainage is essential to avoid root rot. Incorporate organic material, such as compost, to improve soil fertility and drainage.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is approximately twice the width and depth of the root ball of the plant. This will give the roots ample space to grow.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or organic matter into the soil to improve fertility and drainage. Dahlias thrive in rich, well-drained soil.
3. Planting: Place the Dahlia ‘Labella Maggiore Fun Fire’ into the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole gently and firm the soil around the plant.
4. Watering After Planting: Water your Dahlia thoroughly after planting. This helps settle the soil and encourages the roots to establish. Be sure that the area drains well to prevent waterlogging.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Dahlia prefers moist soil, but once established, it is fairly drought-tolerant. Water regularly, particularly during dry spells, but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
• Dormant Season: In the dormant season, reduce watering significantly. Only water Dahlia ‘Labella Maggiore Fun Fire’ if the soil becomes excessively dry.

Feeding

• Spring: In early spring, apply a balanced fertiliser to promote healthy growth and strong flowering. A high-potassium feed will help boost bloom production in Dahlia ‘Labella Maggiore Fun Fire’.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer will keep your Dahlia vigorous and encourage continual flowering throughout the blooming season.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly deadhead Dahlia ‘Labella Maggiore Fun Fire’ by removing spent flowers. This will encourage new blooms and keep the plant looking tidy.
• Autumn Pruning: After the first frosts, cut back to ground level. This helps prepare the plant for dormancy and ensures healthy growth for the next season.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your Dahlia in spring to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic materials like bark or compost work well.
• Winter: In winter, add a thicker layer of mulch around the base of the plant to protect the tubers from freezing temperatures. This will help prevent frost damage and ensure a healthy start in the spring.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Although Dahlia has sturdy stems, it may need staking in windy areas to prevent the stems from breaking. Support the plant early in the season to help it grow upright and maintain a neat appearance.

Final Tips

Dahlia ‘Labella Maggiore Fun Fire’ is a low-maintenance, vibrant perennial that can brighten up any garden or container. By planting in full sun and well-drained soil, and following the care instructions provided, you’ll enjoy stunning blooms from July until the first frosts. Add Dahlia ‘Labella Maggiore Fun Fire’ to your garden for a burst of fiery-orange colour and dramatic flair.