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.

Dahlia Plant Care: Wait until green sprouts emerge from the soil before watering. Then water deeply 2-3 times per week. Daily if in containers. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks for containers and every 3-4 weeks for soil grown. Use fertilizers that have a lower nitrogen count, generally half the amount of the other two on the NPK ratio. After frost has turned foliage brown, dig up the tubers and store them for the winter. 

Dahlia Companion Plants: Geranium, Salvia

Planting Instructions:

• - Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow room for growth

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 6.5-7.0, prefers well-drained, fertile soil
• - Enrich soil with compost or well-rotted manure to boost nutrient levels

Watering Specifics:

• - Water regularly to keep soil moist, especially during dry periods
• - Avoid overwatering as Dahlias are susceptible to root rot

Fertilizer Type:

• - Feed with a low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer monthly during the growing season to support bloom production
• - Cease fertilization by the end of summer to prepare the plant for dormancy

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
• - Employ barriers or appropriate organic pesticides to manage pest problems

Overwintering:

• - In areas prone to freezing, dig up tubers after the first frost has killed the foliage
• - Clean the tubers and allow them to dry for a few days in a frost-free location
• - Store tubers in a cool, dry place over winter in slightly moist peat moss or sand

Temperature Tolerance:

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