Cafe au Lait Royal Dahlia Plant

The Dinnerplate Dahlia, 'Cafe au Lait Royal', offers immense 10-inch blooms that dazzle in a harmonious blend of soft pink and dusky rose-pink, occasionally punctuated by a streak of purple or a hint of white. These flowers are not only magnificent in gardens but also stand out in cut flower arrangements. Offering weeks of vibrant displays from summer to autumn, this dahlia is an exceptional choice for those seeking to infuse a touch of grandeur and unique coloration into their borders or cutting beds.

Planting Instructions:

• - Plant tubers when soil reaches 60°F. Space them 4-6 inches deep with crown up and roots down

Soil Preparation:

• - Prefers well-drained, fertile soil

Watering Specifics:

• - Wait until green sprouts emerge from the soil before watering
• - Then water deeply 2-3 times per week, and daily if plants are in containers

Fertilizer Type:

• - Use fertilizers with a lower nitrogen count; half the amount of nitrogen relative to phosphorus and potassium (lower N on NPK ratio)
• - Fertilize every 2-3 weeks for containers and every 3-4 weeks for soil grown plants

Pruning and Training:

• - Pinch back the main shoot to encourage branching and more flowers
• - Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering

Additional Pest Management:

• - Inspect regularly for pests like aphids, slugs, and snails

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Protect plants from early frosts with mulch or fleece covers to extend the flowering season

Overwintering:

• - After frost has turned the foliage brown, dig up tubers and store them over the winter
• - Clean tubers and let them dry for a few days in a frost-free location, then store in cool, dry place in slightly moist peat moss or sand

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Protect plants from early frosts with mulch or fleece covers to extend the flowering season