Dahlia 'Tu Jays Nicola' Dahlia 'Tu Jays Nicola' (Misc)
ABOUT
grows to 90cm, with semi-double flowers 5.5cm diameter, the florets white, flushed with rose-pink near the tip, the disk florets yellow.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Garden Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Tu Jays Nicola'
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8-10
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Dahlias like 'Tu Jays Nicola' are prized for their striking blooms which add vivid color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Variety of Uses: They can be grown in borders, as bedding plants, or in containers, offering versatility in garden design and use.
- Long Blooming Period: Dahlias typically have a lengthy flowering season, blooming from midsummer through to the first frosts, providing extended beauty in the garden.
- Attracts Pollinators: Dahlias are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems and pollination.
- Cutting Garden Plant: The flowers of 'Tu Jays Nicola' are excellent for cutting and can be used to create beautiful arrangements and bouquets.
- Wide Range of Colors and Forms: Dahlias come in a myriad of colors and flower forms, allowing gardeners to choose varieties that fit their aesthetic preferences.
- Easy to Grow: These plants are relatively easy to cultivate, making them suitable for gardeners of varying experience levels.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As natural dyes: The petals of the Dahlia flower can be used to create a range of natural dyes for fabrics, offering hues from pale yellows to deep burgundy depending on the part of the flower used and the mordant applied.
- In fashion accessories: The vibrant and large blooms of Dahlias can be incorporated into fashion designs, such as hat adornments or floral crowns, to add a touch of nature to an outfit.
- Photography subject: Due to their intricate beauty and array of colors, Dahlias often serve as a stunning subject for photographers looking to capture the complexity and beauty of flowers.
- As garnish: Edible varieties of Dahlia petals can be used to add a splash of color and a unique flair to culinary dishes when used as a garnish.
- In art projects: Dried Dahlia petals and flower heads can become components in art projects, providing texture and color to mixed media art or natural collages.
- Educational tools: Dahlias can serve as a learning device in horticulture and botany education, teaching about plant biology, hybridization, and the art of gardening.
- Crafting botanical prints: The distinct patterns and shapes of Dahlia petals and leaves can be used for creating botanical prints on paper or fabric using traditional print-making techniques or by hammering the plant material to release pigments.
- As a muse for artists: The elaborate form and diverse colors of the Dahlia flower have inspired many artists to create paintings, sculptures, and other artworks that reflect the flower's aesthetic.
- In celebration rituals: In some cultures, Dahlias are used in ceremonial events, such as weddings or festivals, to symbolize commitment, dignity, and elegance.
- Floating decor: Dahlias can float on water, making them a beautiful option for decorating water features in gardens or floating in bowls for table centerpieces at events.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dahlia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Dignity and Elegance: Dahlias, with their intricate petals and stunning beauty, commonly symbolize dignity and elegance, reflecting the gracefulness of the person who might receive them or the occasion they commemorate.
- Diversity and Variety: With their myriad of sizes, colors, and shapes, Dahlias represent diversity and the varied nature of our world, celebrating the unique differences that make up a vibrant community or collective.
- Creative Spirit: The vibrant and distinctive appearance of Dahlias often symbolizes a wild and creative spirit, making them perfect for someone who is known for their artistic qualities and imaginative endeavors.
- Change and Transition: Dahlias bloom in late summer and fall, a time that signals the transition to a new season. As such, they can symbolize the natural changes in life, personal growth, and the journey toward new beginnings.
- Commitment and a Strong Bond: Given their long-lasting nature, Dahlias can represent a lasting commitment or bond in a relationship, embodying the idea of standing together through various life challenges.
WaterFor the Dahlia 'Tu Jays Nicola', water the plant deeply to ensure moisture reaches the roots, typically requiring about 1 to 2 gallons per week depending on weather conditions. During active growth in spring and summer, maintain consistent moisture and avoid letting the soil completely dry out. Reduce watering in the fall as the plant begins to go dormant. When temperatures are high, and the plant is in full sun, you may need to water more frequently, possibly every other day, but always check the soil moisture before watering to avoid overwatering.
LightDahlias like 'Tu Jays Nicola' thrive in a spot that receives full sun, meaning they need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. They can tolerate some light shade, particularly in hotter climates, but too much shade can lead to poor flowering and weak growth. Place the plant in the brightest area of the garden for optimal blooming.
TemperatureDahlias such as 'Tu Jays Nicola' prefer temperatures ranging between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit but can survive in temperatures as low as 50 and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They start to struggle if temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit or soar above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, so providing some protection from extremes can be beneficial.
PruningDahlias like 'Tu Jays Nicola' benefit from pruning to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. Cut back the plant in the late fall after the first frost has killed the foliage, leaving about 4 to 6 inches of stem above the ground. Pruning is typically done once the plant has started to grow in the spring and then continued as needed through the blooming period.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias thrive best in a rich, well-draining soil, with a pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. The ideal soil mix should contain two parts loam, one part peat moss, and one part sand to ensure proper drainage and fertility. Organic matter like compost can also be added to enhance the soil structure and nutrient content.
RepottingDahlias, like 'Tu Jays Nicola', generally do not need to be repotted frequently as they are typically grown as annuals. However, the tubers can be lifted and divided every 2-3 years to rejuvenate and propagate the plants. Ensure they are replanted at the proper depth in fresh soil mix.
Humidity & MistingDahlias prefer moderate humidity levels for optimal growth. They can tolerate a range of humidity conditions, but it's important to avoid overly humid environments which can promote fungal diseases. Aim for a humidity level that is consistent with the natural outdoor environment during the growing season.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good airflow.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with rich soil and adequate spacing.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleDahlia 'Tu Jays Nicola' begins its life cycle as a tuber, which is planted in the ground after the last frost when the soil has warmed sufficiently. The tuber then sprouts and produces shoots that grow into sturdy stems, bearing leaves and eventually developing flower buds. The flowering stage occurs during the summer and into fall, showcasing vibrant blossoms that come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. After the flowering season and as temperatures drop, the plant begins to enter dormancy; the aerial parts will die back with the first frost. The tubers can be left in the ground in milder climates or dug up, cleaned, and stored in a cool, frost-free place over winter. In the following spring, the stored tubers can be replanted, thus repeating the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Dahlia 'Tu Jays Nicola' involves the use of tuber division. This is typically done in spring when the tubers begin to sprout. Gardeners carefully separate the tubers ensuring each division has at least one eye, or growth point, from which new shoots can emerge. The divisions are then planted in well-draining soil, at a depth of about 4 to 6 inches (around 10 to 15 centimeters), allowing enough space for the new plants to grow. The soil should be kept moist but not overly wet to prevent rot. New growth will typically appear in a few weeks, given proper warmth and light conditions. This method is favored for its ease and the fact that it produces a clone of the parent plant, ensuring the same characteristics in the blooms.
