Gypsy Dahlia Plant

Gypsy is yet another dahlia out of the gorgeous Melody collection that offers colorful blooms with creamy-yellow eyes that unfolds into a beautiful pink flowers that are 5.5 inches wide and remains upright and straight. Gypsy ships as a bare root. We like growing from bare roots because they establish quickly, become twice the size of a potted plant in the first season, and eliminate the need for plastic pots (a win for the environment).

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:

• - 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