Dahlia Dahlia 'Rhonda Suzanne' (Pom)

Water

Dahlias require a consistent watering schedule to thrive, generally about twice a week, but this can vary based on your climate and soil conditions. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering; if it's dry, it's time to water. Provide dahlias with about one to two gallons of water per plant at each watering session, ensuring that the water gets down deep to reach the tubers. During peak blooming season, they may need more frequent watering, especially if the weather is exceptionally hot or windy. Be cautious not to overwater, as this can lead to rot and disease.

Light

Dahlias like 'Rhonda Suzanne' prefer full sun to bloom well, which means they need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for these plants would be in an area that receives ample morning sunlight and partial shade during the harshest afternoon hours to protect them from scorching. However, they will still perform well in a spot that is sunny throughout the day as long as they are sufficiently watered.

Temperature

Dahlias thrive in moderate to warm conditions with ideal temperatures ranging between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. They can survive minimum temperatures of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit but may be damaged by frost and should not be exposed to temperatures below this. The maximum temperature they can tolerate well is about 90 degrees Fahrenheit; anything higher may stress the plants.

Pruning

Regular pruning encourages dahlias to produce more flowers and helps maintain plant health. Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming and cut back stems that have finished flowering to about one-third their length. It's best to prune dahlias throughout the blooming season, which typically runs from mid-summer until the first frost. Pruning not only enhances the appearance of the dahlia plant but also redirects energy to new flower production.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Pompon Dahlias like 'Rhonda Suzanne' thrive in rich, well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH between 6.5 and 7.0. A soil mix with two parts garden soil, one part peat moss or coconut coir, and one part perlite or sand is ideal to ensure proper drainage and soil aeration.

Repotting

Pompon Dahlias such as 'Rhonda Suzanne' should be repotted annually, usually in the spring. After the last frost, the tubers can be planted in fresh potting mix to promote vigorous growth for the blooming season.

Humidity & Misting

Pompon Dahlias require moderate humidity levels. They can tolerate a range of humidity conditions but perform best when the relative humidity is between 40% and 60%, as long as proper air circulation is maintained.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright indirect light, well-draining soil, and regular feeding.

• Outdoor

  Place in full sun, rich soil, water and deadhead regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

'Rhonda Suzanne' (Pom) Dahlia begins its life cycle when a tuber is planted in the ground after the last frost of spring, when the soil has warmed sufficiently. It first enters a vegetative stage, where stems and leaves emerge from the tuber and photosynthesis begins, which fuels the plant's growth. Following the vegetative stage, the plant moves into the flowering stage, typically in midsummer, where it develops its characteristic vibrant blooms that continue until the first frost of fall. As temperatures drop, the Dahlia enters a dormancy stage; the above-ground foliage dies back, and the tubers can be dug up and stored over winter. In the next growing season, the cycle restarts when the stored tubers are replanted, or new tubers formed from the previous season's plant are used. During its productive life, a Dahlia may also propagate through cuttings or division, thereby producing genetically identical offspring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late Winter-Early Spring

• The Dahlia 'Rhonda Suzanne', a type of Pompon Dahlia, is conventionally propagated by dividing its tubers. The best time to carry out this process is in the spring when the soil is workable and the danger of frost has passed. To propagate by division, first carefully dig up the clump of tubers being sure not to damage them. Look for the natural divisions where the tubers can be separated, each with at least one eye, which is a growing point. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut them apart, ensuring each division has at least one eye and a portion of the original stem. After cutting, let the cut surfaces dry for a few days to form a callous, which helps prevent rot. Finally, plant these divisions about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) deep in well-drained soil with the eyes facing upwards and spaced about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth and air circulation.