Dahlia ‘Ken’s Choice’
Description
This garden workhorse churns out an abundance of rich ruby-red flowers all season long. The hardy plants produce long-stemmed, weather-resistant flowers that are excellent for cutting.
Details
Form: ball
Bloom size: over 3½ in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 80 to 100 days
Plant spacing: 12 to 18 in
Pinch: when 12 in tall
Bloom size: over 3½ 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 garden workhorse churns out an abundance of rich ruby-red flowers all season long. The hardy plants produce long-stemmed, weather-resistant flowers that are excellent for cutting.
Details
Form: ball
Bloom size: over 3½ in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 80 to 100 days
Plant spacing: 12 to 18 in
Pinch: when 12 in tall
Bloom size: over 3½ 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 our 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.
