Dahlias for every garden - Garden Outdoor Living

Sunset, March, 2002 by Lauren Bonar Swezey

* COLLARETTE: A single row of evenly spaced petals are a backdrop to smaller disc flowers emerging from the center. 'Alpen Cherub' (pure white with yellow in center); strong stems, prolific bloomer. 'Astrid Siersen' (purple and white); "a favorite with the public." 'Cher Ami' (red and yellow); small, "perfect bloom."

* SINGLE: A single row of petals surround the center disc. 'Bashful' (deep purple with lavender tips); "it glows." 'Joshua Juul' (white, orange, purple blend); "very unusual color combination." 'Juul's Cosmos' (1avender); "unique color for a single--looks like a cosmos flower."

* MIGNON SINGLE: Similar to Single, but it is under 2 inches in diameter. 'Matthew Juul' (orange and dark red blend) and 'Rembrandt' (dark red); "both are good for small gardens--as border plants or in pots."

* ORCHID: Blossoms have a single row of tubelike petals. 'Juul's All-Star' (dark red), 'Juul's Star' (white), and 'Marie Schnugg' (red); "all have excellent form and color and are good for arranging."

* NOVELTY: This is a dahlia that doesn't fit in any other class. 'Alloway Candy' (pink); a beautiful cut flower.

Dahlias by mail

Shop for tubers at nurseries or order from one of the sources below. For other sources and care tips, visit www.sunset.com.

Connell's Dahlias, 10616 Waller Rd. E, Tacoma, WA 98446; (253) 531-0292 or www.connells-dahlias.com.

Dan's Dahlias, 994 S. Bank Rd., Oakville, WA 98568; (360) 482-2406 or www.dansdahlias.com.

Elkhorn Gardens, Box 149, Carmel, CA 93921; (831) 761-2280 or www.elkhorngardens.com.

Swan Island Dahlias, Box 700, Canby, OR 97013; (800) 410-6540 or www.dahlias.com.

RELATED ARTICLE: Dahlia cutting tips

* Medium to small dahlias make the best cut flowers for arrangements. Avoid single-petaled dahlias, which tend to drop their petals. Large dahlias can be floated in a glass bowl.

* Cut flowers early in the morning or in the evening.

* Place stems in warm water (100[degrees]) for 1/2 hour, then place in cold water.

* Display in a cool location to extend vase life (about a week).

* Change vase water daily.

What dahlias need

Plant after last frost.

SOIL: Well drained; mix in compost before planting.

EXPOSURE: Full sun.

WATERING: Start when growth is 6 to 12 inches tall. Thereafter, keep the soil moist.

FERTILIZER: Mix low-nitrogen fertilizer into the soil at planting time.