'Unwin Dwarf' dahlias are vigorous and fast growing. They are available in numerous flower types and come in a wide assortment of colors. 'Unwin' dahlias are an outstanding addition to the flower border or a container garden. This is an old-fashioned favorite and superb cut flower. Grown as annuals, these dahlias may reach 20 inches in height and width. They come in brilliant shades of bronze, salmon, apricot, orange, scarlet, crimson, yellow and white sometimes flushed with a second color. These semi-double flowers range from 2 to 4 inches in diameter. Blooms mid-summer through fall. Leaves are a rich green. Plant dahlia tubers once soil has warmed and there is little chance of frost. Dahlias make great cut flowers and they’re wonderful in arrangements, too. Dahlias are a tender perennial that are vigorous and fast growing. Tuberous roots must be lifted from the ground, and stored, in zones 7 and lower. Outstanding addition to the flower border or container garden. An old fashioned favorite and superb cut flower. Flowers bloom first year and add a lovely spot of color in the garden. Heat resistant. Your Dahlias will bloom from mid summer until frost. They are a welcome addition to the garden late in the season when other flowers are fading and are long lasting cut flowers.
Size: #1 Clump • Hardiness: Tender Family: Asteraceae • Bulb Type: Tuberous Root Bloomtime: Mid Summer-Frost • Height: 12-20" Exposure: Full sun • Spacing: 15" Foliage: Green • Flower: Varied Tolerances: deer, heat & humidity, rabbits When to Plant Outdoors: Plant in the spring, after the ground warms to about 50º F. Easy to grow 1. Dig a hole 3-4" deep. 2. Set each tuberous root firmly in place. 3. Cover each tuberous root with soil and water thoroughly. Planting instructions: Plant Dahlias in well-drained soil in a sunny location. Supply ample moisture and fertilizer during the growing season. When the plant reaches 1-1/2' in height, trim entire plant to 1'. In about two weeks trim the plant again back to about 1-1/2'. This will encourage your Dahlia to produce an abundance of flowers. Remove all spent flowers. Preparing Containers Containers are excellent when used as an ornamental feature, a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in, or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior. If growing more than one plant in a container, make sure that all have similar cultural requirements. Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant and the container. Plant large containers in the place you intend them to stay. All containers should have drainage holes. A mesh screen, broken clay pot pieces(crock) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out. The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen. Quality soils (or soil-less medias) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet. If water runs off soil upon initial wetting, this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think. Prior to filling a container with soil, wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist. Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants, when planted, to be just below the rim of the pot. Tuberous root should be level with soil line when project is complete. Water well. To plant container-grown plants: Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and space between. Water the plant thoroughly and let the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container. Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant in the hole, working soil around the roots as you fill. If the plant is extremely root bound, separate roots with fingers. A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay, but should be kept to a minimum. Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly, protecting from direct sun until stable. Fertilization for Annuals and Perennials Annuals and perennials may be fertilized using: 1. water-soluble, quick release fertilizers; 2. temperature controlled slow-release fertilizers; or 3. organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion. Water soluble fertilizers are generally used every two weeks during the growing season or per label instructions. Controlled, slow-release fertilizers are worked into the soil usually only once during the growing season or per label directions. For organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion, follow label directions as they may vary per product.