Dahlia ‘Rhubarb and Custard’
Description
This is one of the most popular varieties on the market, and for good reason. Bred by Dr. Keith Hammett in New Zealand, it is one of the most prolific bloomers I’ve ever grown. The well-behaved plants top out at 4 ft tall and put out an endless parade of blooms all season long. Flowers have soft apricot outer petals with a rhubarb-red ring around the center and creamy custard twizzles with lavender tips. The color combination is like nothing else I’ve seen, and they are a flower arranger’s dream. Despite their delicate appearance, blooms are tough and last very well in the vase. It’s also a favorite with pollinators.
Details
Form: collarette
Bloom size: 4½ to 5 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 80 to 100 days
Plant spacing: 12 to 18 in
Pinch: when 12 in tall
Bloom size: 4½ to 5 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 one of the most popular varieties on the market, and for good reason. Bred by Dr. Keith Hammett in New Zealand, it is one of the most prolific bloomers I’ve ever grown. The well-behaved plants top out at 4 ft tall and put out an endless parade of blooms all season long. Flowers have soft apricot outer petals with a rhubarb-red ring around the center and creamy custard twizzles with lavender tips. The color combination is like nothing else I’ve seen, and they are a flower arranger’s dream. Despite their delicate appearance, blooms are tough and last very well in the vase. It’s also a favorite with pollinators.
Details
Form: collarette
Bloom size: 4½ to 5 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 80 to 100 days
Plant spacing: 12 to 18 in
Pinch: when 12 in tall
Bloom size: 4½ to 5 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.
