Dahlia Dahlia 'Otto's Thrill' (D)

Water

Dahlias, including 'Otto's Thrill', should be watered thoroughly, providing deep irrigation to encourage root development. They require an ample supply of water during the growing season, about 1-2 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering. It's best to water early in the day so that the foliage has time to dry out, which helps prevent disease. When watering, soak the soil around the plant to a depth of 6-8 inches. During particularly dry spells, you may need to water 2-3 times per week, using up to 2 gallons of water per plant, depending on the size.

Light

Dahlias like 'Otto's Thrill' thrive in a location with full sun, which means they need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for these plants is an area that receives morning sunlight and is protected from the strong afternoon sun in very hot climates. Partial shade in the afternoon is beneficial to prevent the petals from fading or scorching during the peak summer heat.

Temperature

The ideal temperature range for Dahlia 'Otto's Thrill' is between 60°F and 70°F. Dahlias can survive temperatures as low as the upper 50s°F, but growth may be slower. It is important to protect them from temperatures below 50°F, as cold temperatures can damage or kill the plant. Dahlias prefer warm days and cooler nights and can handle temperatures up to about 90°F, though extreme heat may stress the plants.

Pruning

Prune Dahlias such as 'Otto's Thrill' to promote bushier growth, larger flowers, and to maintain plant health. Deadheading spent blooms regularly encourages more blooms. During the growing season, pinch back the main stem to encourage lateral branching. Pruning is best done when the plant is about 16 inches tall, and it should only involve the top few inches. After the first frost in autumn, cut back the foliage to the ground as the plant dies back.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

For Dahlia 'Otto's Thrill', a well-draining soil mix is essential, incorporating loam, peat, and sand or perlite for aeration. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.5 to 7.0. Add organic matter such as compost to enhance fertility and structure.

Repotting

Dahlias, including 'Otto's Thrill', generally do not need to be repotted often as they are not usually grown as permanent container plants. They are typically planted annually from tubers that are dug up and stored during the winter.

Humidity & Misting

Dahlias like 'Otto's Thrill' prefer moderate humidity levels and do not require high humidity. Ensure good air circulation around the plants to prevent issues with dampness and pests.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and ensure pot has good drainage.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, rich soil, and spacing of 18-24 inches apart.

• Hardiness zone

  8-10 USDA

Life cycle

Otto's Thrill Dahlia begins its life cycle when the tuber is planted in the ground after the last frost, with the eye of the tuber facing upwards to allow sprouting. The plant then grows stems and leaves and undergoes vegetative growth, where it develops a strong stem and foliage system to support its large blossoms. During the flowering stage, Otto's Thrill Dahlia produces its characteristic large double peony-like pink flowers that attract pollinators. After blooming, which typically occurs from midsummer until the first autumn frost, the plant sets seeds, although cultivation is more commonly done asexually through tuber division. As temperatures drop, the plant enters dormancy; the above-ground portion dies back, and the tubers can be dug up, stored, and overwintered in a cool, dry place. The life cycle is completed the following spring when the stored tubers are replanted, giving rise to new plants.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The popular method for propagating Dahlia 'Otto's Thrill' is through tuber division, which is best performed in spring when the plant is beginning to sprout new shoots. To propagate by division, a gardener must first carefully dig up the clump of dahlia tubers after the foliage has died back and the tubers have been left in the ground to cure for a few days. The tubers are then gently separated, ensuring that each division has at least one eye, which is a small bump or nub from where the new growth will emerge. These divisions can then be planted directly into the garden, at a depth of about 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm), considering that each tuber has sufficient space to grow. It's essential to handle the tubers delicately to avoid damaging the eyes, as this could hinder the plant's growth. After planting, the divisions should be watered lightly to settle the soil around them and then regularly as they establish themselves.