Dahlia Dahlia 'Pink Pastelle' (S-c)

Water

Dahlias like 'Pink Pastelle' need regular watering to maintain moist, but not soggy, soil. They typically require watering 2 to 3 times a week, depending on weather conditions. A deep watering that provides about 1-2 inches of water, which equates to about 0.5 to 1 gallon per plant, each time you water is ideal. It's important to water the plants at their base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. During peak summer heat, dahlias may need more frequent watering, and less during cooler weather.

Light

Dahlias such as 'Pink Pastelle' thrive in full sun, which means they need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for these plants is in an area that receives unobstructed sunlight throughout the day. Partial shade in the late afternoon is acceptable, especially in regions with very hot summers, to prevent bloom discoloration and scorching of the petals.

Temperature

'Pink Pastelle' dahlias perform best in temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a range from 50 degrees at night to a maximum of 90 degrees during the day. Below 50 degrees or above 90 degrees, plants may exhibit stunted growth or stress. Dahlias are not frost-tolerant, so they should be planted after the danger of frost has passed and dug up and stored during the winter in regions where temperatures fall below freezing.

Pruning

Pruning 'Pink Pastelle' dahlias is important for encouraging bushier plant growth and more prolific blooming. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to stimulate new blooms. Cut back the stems of the main shoots by about a third in early summer to promote branching. The best time for major pruning is early spring, just as the plants begin to grow from the previous year's tubers, and throughout the blooming season for maintenance.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Dahlias thrive in a well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of around 6.5. A good mix for Dahlia 'Pink Pastelle' can be made with equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Regularly enrich the soil with a balanced fertilizer to support vigorous growth and blooming.

Repotting

Dahlias, including 'Pink Pastelle', should be dug up and repotted every year after the first frost has killed back the foliage. This is also a good time to divide the tubers if the clump has become too large. Store the tubers in a cool, frost-free place during the winter and replant in the spring.

Humidity & Misting

Dahlias like 'Pink Pastelle' prefer moderate humidity levels. They perform best outside where the humidity is natural and not too high. If the air is too dry, their leaves may become brittle but excessive moisture can lead to fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-drained soil, regular watering.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA.

Life cycle

Dahlia 'Pink Pastelle' begins its life cycle when the tuber is planted in the ground after the last frost, usually in spring. The plant will germinate and sprout into a seedling, benefiting from warm soil and consistent moisture. Throughout the growing season, it develops a sturdy stem and foliage, eventually leading to the budding stage. The buds will bloom into the characteristic large pink flowers during summer and into early fall, attracting pollinators and adding aesthetic value to gardens. After flowering, as temperatures drop, the above-ground parts of the plant will die back, and the tubers can be dug up and stored in a cool, dry place to overwinter. The following spring, the tubers can be replanted, thus completing the cycle and beginning a new growth season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Dahlia 'Pink Pastelle', a sumptuous decorative dahlia with soft pink petals, is most commonly propagated through division. This method is typically performed in the spring just before the new growth begins. To propagate by division, the tuberous roots are carefully unearthed and any clumps are separated to create new plants, making sure that each division has at least one eye—or growth point—from which new shoots will emerge. The divisions are then planted about 6 to 8 inches deep (approximately 15 to 20 centimeters), spaced approximately 18 to 24 inches apart (about 46 to 61 centimeters) to give each plant enough room to grow. This method is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness, allowing gardeners to quickly multiply their dahlia collection while preserving the traits of 'Pink Pastelle'.