Dahlia 'Willo's Violet' (Pom)

Water

Dahlias require a consistent watering schedule to ensure healthy growth, particularly during the growing season. Water your 'Willo's Violet' Dahlia deeply once or twice a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Aim to provide about an inch of water each week, which translates to roughly 0.6 gallons for each plant. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent disease; instead, water at the base of the plant. During periods of high heat and dry conditions, increase watering frequency to prevent the soil from drying out completely.

Light

Dahlias thrive in full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The 'Willo's Violet' variety will perform best in a location where it can receive ample morning sunlight with some protection from the harsh afternoon sun. Avoid planting in heavily shaded areas, as this can lead to weak growth and fewer flowers.

Temperature

Dahlias, including 'Willo's Violet', prefer temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. They can tolerate a range from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but performance might suffer at the extremes. Protect the plants from frost by waiting to plant until the risk of frost has passed in the spring, and consider digging up the tubers in the fall before the first frost hits.

Pruning

Pruning is essential for 'Willo's Violet' Dahlias to encourage a bushier plant and more blooms. Pinch out the growing tips once the plant reaches about 16 inches in height to promote branching. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. The best time for substantial pruning is late winter or early spring before the new growth begins.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Dahlias prefer well-draining soil with rich organic matter; the best soil mix for 'Willo's Violet' Pom should contain equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand. The ideal pH for dahlias is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.5 to 7.0. Regular addition of compost or well-rotted manure will help maintain soil fertility.

Repotting

Dahlias, including 'Willo's Violet' Pom, should be repotted annually. They are typically replanted each spring after the danger of frost has passed, using fresh soil to replenish nutrients and accommodate growth.

Humidity & Misting

Dahlias like 'Willo's Violet' Pom do well in moderate humidity conditions. They can tolerate a range from low to high humidity, but constant airflow is useful to prevent disease. Ensure the area is well-ventilated to maintain optimal humidity levels.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, good airflow, and regular watering for indoor dahlias.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, ensure good drainage, and protect from strong winds outdoors.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

The Dahlia 'Willo's Violet', commonly known as Pompon Dahlia, begins its life cycle when the tubers are planted in the ground after the last frost in spring. These tubers quickly sprout stems and leaves, using stored energy to establish the plant. Throughout the growing season, the Dahlia enters a vegetative stage where it develops a sturdy stem and lush foliage in preparation for flowering. Flowering usually occurs in midsummer to early fall, showcasing the plant's distinctive spherical violet blooms, which are prized for their beauty. After the flowering period and as temperatures drop, the Dahlia prepares for dormancy; the aerial parts die back with the first frost and the plant's energy is conserved in the tubers underground. To complete its annual cycle, the tubers can be left in the ground (in milder climates) or dug up, stored during winter, and replanted the next spring, thus starting a new growth cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagating Dahlia 'Willo's Violet', a pompon type dahlia, is through division of its tubers. This is typically done in the spring when the soil has warmed up enough, usually around the same time you'd plant potatoes. Upon removing the tuber clump from storage, each tuber that has at least one eye can be cut away from the main clump with a sharp, clean knife or garden shears. The cuts should be allowed to dry for a day or two to form a protective callus over the wounds, reducing the risk of rot once planted. The separated tubers can then be planted in well-drained soil, with the eyes or sprouts facing upwards, about 4 to 6 inches deep (about 10 to 15 centimeters).