Summer Night Dahlia Dahlia 'Nuit d'Eté' (S-c)

Water

Summer Blooming Dahlias, like 'Nuit d'Eté', require consistent moisture and should be watered two to three times a week, providing about 1 to 2 inches of water each time. Water early in the morning at the base of the plant to allow leaves to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of disease. During the peak growing season, a weekly deep watering of around 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant is beneficial. Adjust watering based on rainfall, and reduce frequency as the weather cools to avoid rot. Always ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Light

Summer Blooming Dahlias thrive in full sunlight, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily for best performance. Plant them in a location that receives unfiltered, bright light throughout the day. Partially shaded areas can reduce blooming and lead to leggy growth. Avoid overly shady spots which can hamper the growth and vibrancy of the 'Nuit d'Eté' blooms.

Temperature

Summer Blooming Dahlias prefer warm conditions and are sensitive to frost. They can survive temperatures down to about 60°F at night but require daytime temperatures between 75°F and 85°F for optimal growth. Avoid planting in areas where temperatures dip below 50°F or rise above 90°F, as extreme temperatures can stress the plant.

Pruning

Pruning Summer Blooming Dahlias is essential for encouraging a bushier plant with more flowers. Pinch back the main stem when the plant is about 16 inches tall to promote branching. Remove dead or damaged stems and spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Pruning is typically done from mid-summer until the first fall frost to keep the plant looking tidy and to maximize blooming.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Dahlia 'Nuit d'Été' should be fertile, well-draining, and have a slight acidity to neutral pH, ranging from 6.5 to 7.0. A mix of loam, peat, and sand in equal parts, with a generous amount of compost or aged manure worked in, will provide the nutrients and drainage needed.

Repotting

Dahlias, including the 'Nuit d'Été,' should generally be repotted annually. The best time to repot is in the spring when new growth begins, ensuring the tubers have space to develop and access to fresh soil. If the tubers are kept in pots over winter, refresh the potting mix when you replant them.

Humidity & Misting

Dahlias like the 'Nuit d’Été' prefer moderate humidity levels. While they can adapt to various humidity conditions, aiming for a relative humidity of around 40-60% is suitable for robust growth, especially when grown outdoor.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, keep soil moist, and provide stakes for support.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, rich soil, space 18" apart, stake as needed.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

The Dahlia 'Nuit d'Été', commonly known as Summer Night Dahlia, begins its life cycle as a tuber that is planted after the last frost of the season when the soil is warm. It then germinates and sprouts into a seedling before establishing a root system and growing stems and leaves in the vegetative growth stage. Once matured, the Dahlia 'Nuit d'Été' enters the flowering phase, producing its characteristic dark red, almost black flowers throughout the summer and into early fall. After blooming, the plant enters senescence, where the flowers wither and the plant prepares for dormancy. In areas with cold winters, the tubers are typically dug up and stored in a cool, dry place to overwinter. The following spring, the tubers are replanted, restarting the cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-early Summer

• The preferred time to propagate Dahlia 'Nuit d'Eté', commonly referred to as Summer Night Dahlia, is in spring after the last frost date when the soil has warmed up. The most popular method of propagation is by division of the tubers. Each tuber or clump of tubers should have at least one eye, which is a small bud from which new growth will emerge. Gardeners typically cut the tubers with a sharp, sterile knife, ensuring that each piece has at least one eye. The cut surfaces can be allowed to dry for a day to form a callus, which helps prevent rotting. After the callus has formed, the tubers can be planted about 6 to 8 inches deep (15 to 20 centimeters) and spaced about 18 to 24 inches apart (45 to 60 centimeters) in well-draining soil with the eyes facing upwards. This method encourages a strong and healthy growth as the new dahlia plant develops from the stored energy within the tuber.