Dahlia ‘Bloomquist Hummer’
Description
This is an unfortunate name for such a great variety! The towering plants get almost 6 ft tall by late summer and have a sprawling, branching habit. The long, strong, chocolate-colored stems are loaded with the most unusual-looking flowers. Blooms have rich, coral-orange petals that roll inward, giving the tips a pointed appearance. Each flower has a ring of matching orange twizzles that encircle a fuzzy, reddish-brown center. It’s incredibly unique.
Details
Form: orchette
Bloom size: 4 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 80 to 100 days
Plant spacing: 12 to 18 in
Pinch: when 12 in tall
Bloom size: 4 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 80 to 100 days
Plant spacing: 12 to 18 in
Pinch: when 12 in tall
Harvesting/Vase Life
Dahlias don’t unfurl much once they’ve been harvested so it’s important to not pick them too early. Harvest when blooms are three-quarters of the way open, but not overly ripe. Check the back of each flower head, looking for firm and lush petals versus papery or slightly dehydrated ones. Place into water with hydrator, or sear stem ends by placing into 160°F to 180°F (just off boiling) water and allow to cool for one hour. Expect a vase life of 5 days.
Details
Description
This is an unfortunate name for such a great variety! The towering plants get almost 6 ft tall by late summer and have a sprawling, branching habit. The long, strong, chocolate-colored stems are loaded with the most unusual-looking flowers. Blooms have rich, coral-orange petals that roll inward, giving the tips a pointed appearance. Each flower has a ring of matching orange twizzles that encircle a fuzzy, reddish-brown center. It’s incredibly unique.
Details
Form: orchette
Bloom size: 4 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 80 to 100 days
Plant spacing: 12 to 18 in
Pinch: when 12 in tall
Bloom size: 4 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 80 to 100 days
Plant spacing: 12 to 18 in
Pinch: when 12 in tall
Harvesting/Vase Life
Dahlias don’t unfurl much once they’ve been harvested so it’s important to not pick them too early. Harvest when blooms are three-quarters of the way open, but not overly ripe. Check the back of each flower head, looking for firm and lush petals versus papery or slightly dehydrated ones. Place into water with hydrator, or sear stem ends by placing into 160°F to 180°F (just off boiling) water and allow to cool for one hour. Expect a vase life of 5 days.
Sources
How to Grow
Sources
How to Grow
Summer Mini Course
Learn how to grow, harvest & arrange beautiful cut flowers
In this free three-part video series, you’ll learn a simple step to double the number of blooms your plants produce, how to cut and care for your flowers for the longest vase life, and how to make mixed bouquets quickly and efficiently.
