Dahlia ‘Sunset Glow’

Description

Dahlia ‘Sunset Glow’ is a striking variety known for its fiery-red flowers with vibrant tangerine flares that create a stunning visual impact. The single blooms sit atop sturdy, upright stems, surrounded by dark foliage, making this plant a great addition to any garden. Reaching a height and spread of 60 cm, it’s perfect for borders or containers. Dahlia ‘Sunset Glow’ flowers from mid-summer until the first frost, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. Its bold, bright colours will bring a warm, radiant glow to your outdoor space all season long.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant Dahlia ‘Sunset Glow’ is in spring once the soil has warmed. This allows the roots to establish before the blooming season, encouraging strong growth and abundant flowers.
• Autumn: Alternatively, you can plant Dahlia ‘Sunset Glow’ in early autumn. Planting at this time gives the plant a chance to settle before dormancy and will lead to a stronger start in the next growing season.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Dahlia thrives in full sun. Choose a location that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to ensure vibrant blooms and healthy growth.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is essential for Dahlia ‘Sunset Glow’. The plant is sensitive to waterlogged conditions, which can cause root rot. Add compost or organic matter to the soil to improve its fertility and drainage.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice the width and the same depth as the root ball of Dahlia ‘Sunset Glow’. This gives the roots enough space to grow.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix organic matter or compost into the soil to improve its texture, providing nutrients that will help the Dahlia grow vigorously and bloom beautifully.
3. Planting: Place the Dahlia ‘Sunset Glow’ into the prepared hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill the hole and firm the soil to remove any air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and encourage the roots to establish. Make sure the area is well-drained to avoid waterlogging.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Dahlia is moderately drought-tolerant. Water during dry spells but allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Avoid overwatering, as excess moisture can lead to root issues.
• Dormant Season: In the dormant season, reduce watering significantly. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry, as Dahlia requires minimal moisture during dormancy.

Feeding

• Spring: In early spring, apply a balanced fertiliser to Dahlia ‘Sunset Glow’ to support new growth and give the plant a strong start to the growing season.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer will encourage continuous flowering and maintain the vigour of your Dahlia throughout the blooming season.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers from Dahlia ‘Sunset Glow’. This encourages more blooms and keeps the plant tidy.
• Autumn Pruning: After the final flowers have faded in autumn, cut back to ground level. This helps prepare the plant for winter dormancy and supports better growth in the following year.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your Dahlia in spring. This helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic materials like bark chips or compost work best.
• Winter: In winter, adding mulch helps protect the roots from cold temperatures, preventing frost damage and ensuring the plant survives the winter months.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Dahlia ‘Sunset Glow’ can grow to a height of 60 cm and may benefit from staking, particularly if the stems are tall or in windy locations. Staking helps prevent damage and ensures the plant stands upright.

Final Tips

Dahlia ‘Sunset Glow’ is a beautiful and vibrant plant that will bring fiery colours to your garden. By ensuring it is planted in full sun, in well-drained soil, and following this care routine, you will enjoy stunning flowers from mid-summer until the first frost.

RHS Details

See more Dahlia from Proctors