Dahlia ‘Tangerine Gem’

Description

Dahlia ‘Tangerine Gem’ is a stunning variety known for its vibrant, fiery orange blooms with a hint of yellow at the centre. This hardy dahlia boasts sturdy, upright stems and reaches a height of around 60cm, making it perfect for containers, borders, or cut flower arrangements. Its striking flowers begin to bloom in mid-summer and continue until the first frost, creating a brilliant splash of colour in any garden. This dahlia thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a beautiful addition to any outdoor space.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The optimal time to plant Dahlia ‘Tangerine Gem’ is in spring once the soil has warmed up. This ensures that the plant’s roots establish properly before the blooming season, leading to a healthy and vibrant plant.
• Autumn: Alternatively, Dahlia can be planted in early autumn. This allows the plant to settle in before the dormant period, encouraging better growth in the following spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Dahlia thrives in full sun. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The more sun the plant gets, the more vibrant and plentiful the blooms will be.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is crucial for Dahlia ‘Tangerine Gem’. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot. Incorporating organic matter like compost can improve soil quality and ensure adequate drainage.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: When planting Dahlia ‘Tangerine Gem’, dig a hole that is twice the width and the same depth as the root ball. This will give the roots enough space to spread and grow.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or organic matter into the soil to improve its fertility and drainage. Dahlia ‘Tangerine Gem’ will flourish in nutrient-rich soil, supporting its vibrant growth and beautiful blooms.
3. Planting: Place your Dahlia into the prepared hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill the hole, firming the soil around the plant to eliminate air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and help the roots establish. Ensure the area has good drainage to prevent the plant from sitting in water.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once your Dahlia is established, it is moderately drought-tolerant. Water during dry spells but allow the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions. Be cautious not to overwater, as excess moisture can lead to root rot.
• Dormant Season: During the dormant season, reduce watering significantly. Dahlia requires minimal water during this time, only watering if the soil becomes extremely dry.

Feeding

• Spring: In early spring, apply a balanced fertilizer to give Dahlia ‘Tangerine Gem’ a strong start to the growing season. This will promote healthy growth and encourage the development of vibrant blooms.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer can help maintain the plant’s vigour and encourage continued flowering. This is especially beneficial to support the plant’s performance throughout the growing season.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly deadhead Dahlia ‘Tangerine Gem’ by removing spent flowers. This will encourage the plant to produce more blooms, prolonging the flowering period and maintaining a tidy appearance.
• Autumn Pruning: After the last flowers fade in autumn, cut back to ground level. This helps prepare the plant for winter dormancy, promoting healthier growth in the next growing season.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around Dahlia ‘Tangerine Gem’ in spring to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate the soil temperature. Organic mulches like bark chips or compost work best.
• Winter: In winter, adding a layer of mulch around the plant helps protect the roots from frost and cold temperatures, ensuring the plant survives through the colder months and emerges strong in the spring.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Dahlia ‘Tangerine Gem’ can grow to a height of 60 cm, and while it has sturdy stems, staking can be beneficial in areas that experience strong winds. Staking will help prevent the plant from falling over and ensure it remains upright.

Final Tips

Dahlia ‘Tangerine Gem’ is a striking plant with vibrant orange blooms that will add a splash of colour to any garden. By ensuring it is planted in full sun, in well-drained soil, and following this care routine, this Dahlia will reward you with continuous flowering from mid-summer until the first frost.

RHS Details

See more Dahlias from Proctors