Dahlia Tuber ‘Arabian Night’

Description

Dahlia ‘Arabian Night’ is a striking variety known for its deep, velvety burgundy-red blooms with almost black undertones. With fully double flowers and strong stems, this variety adds a bold, romantic touch to any floral arrangement. The flower heads typically reach 10-15 cm in diameter, and their intense colour holds well throughout its vase life, making it an excellent choice for cut flowers. It’s a mid-season bloomer that thrives in South Africa’s warm, sunny climate.

Common Pests:

• Aphids: Can be treated with neem oil, insecticidal soap or a DIY pest control recipe (as us to share the recipe).
• Slugs and Snails: Place copper tape around pots or use organic slug pellets.

Common Pests and Diseases:

• Powdery Mildew: Common in humid conditions. Manage with proper spacing, avoid overhead watering, and treat with organic sulfur-based fungicides; and KNF/Jadam inputs (ask us to share info).
• Botrytis: Ensure proper air circulation and treat with organic fungicides if needed.

Companion Plants:

• Lavender: Deters pests like aphids and attracts beneficial insects.
• Thyme: A low-growing herb that helps suppress weeds and repel cabbage worms.
• Marigolds: Naturally repel nematodes and other harmful insects while adding complementary bright colours.
• Nasturtiums: Attracts aphids away from Dahlias, acting as a sacrificial plant.

Care and Handling:

Vase Life:

• Vase Life: 5-7 days.
• Cutting Tips: Harvest in the early morning when blooms are half-open. Cut stems at an angle and place them immediately into water.
• Water Changes: Change water every 2 days to prevent bacterial growth. Recut the stems by about 1 cm with each water change.
• Storage: Store in a cool, shaded area away from direct sunlight.

Fertilizing:

• Use a balanced organic fertilizer, such as 3:1:5 or compost tea. Apply every 3-4 weeks during the growing season.
• Avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers to prevent excessive leaf growth over blooms.

Planting Instructions:

• Planting Time: Late spring to early summer, after the risk of frost has passed.
• Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
• Spacing: Space tubers 30-45 cm apart for proper air circulation.
• Pinching: Pinch out the growing tips when plants reach about 30 cm tall to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.
• Watering: Water deeply once or twice a week. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.

Ideal for South Africa:

• Dahlia ‘Arabian Night’ thrives in areas with warm days and cooler nights, ideal for South Africa’s climate. Ensure the plants receive full sun, at least 6 hours a day.

Harvesting Tips:

• Best Harvest Stage: When the blooms are almost fully open but not yet mature.
• Stem Cutting: Use sharp, clean scissors or pruners to cut at least 30 cm of stem. Cut at an angle and place directly into a bucket of clean water.
• Hydration: Allow the flowers to rest in a cool room for several hours before arranging them in a vase for maximum hydration.