Dahlia ‘Totally Tangerine’

Description

Dahlia ‘Totally Tangerine’ is an eye-catching variety with its anemone-flowered shape, featuring orange-pink petals and a tangerine centre. These vibrant flowers bloom from mid-summer to the first frost, making them a stunning addition to your garden. Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure your Dahlia ‘Totally Tangerine’ thrives and delivers continuous flowers all season long.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant Dahlia ‘Totally Tangerine’ is during spring when the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. This timing gives the plant plenty of time to establish before the blooming season.
• Late Spring to Early Summer: If you are planting Dahlia ‘Totally Tangerine’ from tubers, late spring to early summer is the ideal time to plant. This ensures the roots can develop fully before the hot summer months.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Dahlia ‘Totally Tangerine’ thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for the best flower production. Choose a sunny spot in your garden where the plant can bask in the warmth throughout the day.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is essential for Dahlia ‘Totally Tangerine’. Ensure the soil does not stay soggy, as the plant can be susceptible to root rot. Incorporating organic matter like compost into the soil improves both its structure and drainage.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the tuber of Dahlia ‘Totally Tangerine’. The hole should be about 3-4 inches deep and twice as wide as the tuber.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix organic compost into the soil for added fertility. Well-drained, nutrient-rich soil will help Dahlia ‘Totally Tangerine’ grow vigorously.
3. Planting: Place the tuber in the hole with the “eye” or growing point facing upward. Cover with soil, ensuring the tuber is fully covered but not too deep, as too much soil can prevent the plant from sprouting.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the tuber. Dahlia ‘Totally Tangerine’ needs consistent moisture, but be sure not to overwater, as this can cause the tuber to rot.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Dahlia ‘Totally Tangerine’ requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water deeply, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. However, avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
• Avoid Waterlogged Conditions: Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Good drainage is essential for the health of Dahlia ‘Totally Tangerine’.

Feeding

• Spring: When planting Dahlia ‘Totally Tangerine’, incorporate a balanced fertiliser into the soil to give it a strong start. A slow-release fertiliser will provide the nutrients needed for healthy root and stem development.
• Mid-Summer: Feed Dahlia ‘Totally Tangerine’ with a high-potassium fertiliser in mid-summer to promote more blooms and keep the plant thriving throughout the flowering season.

Pruning

• Deadheading: To encourage continuous blooming, regularly remove spent flowers by deadheading. This not only improves the appearance of your plant but also promotes the production of new flowers.
• Autumn Pruning: Once the first frost hits, cut back the plant to ground level. This will help prepare Dahlia ‘Totally Tangerine’ for dormancy and encourage new growth when the plant is next in season.

Mulching

• Spring: Applying a layer of mulch around the base of Dahlia ‘Totally Tangerine’ helps retain moisture in the soil and keeps weeds at bay. Use organic mulch such as bark chips or garden compost for best results.
• Winter: If you are overwintering Dahlia ‘Totally Tangerine’ in colder areas, applying a thicker mulch layer in winter will protect the tubers from freezing and ensure they survive until the next growing season.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: While Dahlia ‘Totally Tangerine’ is a compact variety, it may still benefit from some staking to prevent the stems from bending or breaking under the weight of the flowers. Use tall plant supports or stakes to provide support if necessary.

Final Tips

Dahlia ‘Totally Tangerine’ is a low-maintenance plant that adds vibrant colour to your garden throughout the summer and autumn months. By planting it in a sunny location with well-drained soil, feeding it regularly, and following the care routine outlined above, your Dahlia ‘Totally Tangerine’ will reward you with continuous blooms until the first frost. Incorporate this striking dahlia into your garden or containers for a burst of colour and elegance all season long!

RHS Details

See more Dahlia from Proctors