Dahlia Tubers ‘Sandra’

Description

Dahlia “Sandra” (also known as “Pink Sylvia”) is a stunning ball-type dahlia featuring perfectly round, tightly petalled blooms of bubble-gum to rose-pink with delicate lighter tips that give a soft frosted edge. Plants reach around 1.2-1.5 m high, boasting long, sturdy stems ideal for cutting. Blooming from summer into autumn (approximately December through to April/May in South Africa), “Sandra” performs best in full sun and well-drained soil. Its plentiful, formal blooms make it prized for cut flower arrangements, wedding bouquets, garden borders, and designer displays. Tubers should be planted in spring once the soil warms; mulch and organic feed help yield abundant, healthy flowers. With frequent deadheading, proper support, and clean harvesting, the vase life is excellent (5-8 days+).

Note, we sell a small tuber clump with 3-5 tubers on it or 2/3 tubers. All clump tubers have eyes (some quite a few), and all tubers, if not in a clump, will have an eye, sometimes two.

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Best Times to Grow (South Africa):

• Spring (Sept – Nov): Best time to plant tubers after frost danger has passed.
• Summer (Dec – Feb): Peak growing and flowering season.
• Autumn (Mar – May): Continued blooming until first frosts.
• Winter (Jun – Aug): Tubers should be lifted and stored in frost-prone areas.

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Planting Instructions:

• When to start sowing:

  • Plant tubers in early September – October in frost-free regions.

  • In colder zones, start in pots indoors in late winter and transplant once frost has passed.

• Where to plant:

  • Full sun, minimum 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

  • Well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost.

• Steps:

  1. Dig holes 5–15 cm deep.

  2. Lay the tuber horizontally with the eye facing upwards.

  3. Cover with soil and water lightly.

  4. Stake plants early to support tall growth.

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Spacing in Beds:

• 45–60 cm apart to allow airflow and prevent mildew.

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How High the Plant Grows:

• 1.2 – 1.5 m tall.

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Annual or Perennial?

• Tender perennial (grown as an annual in frost zones).

• Your localised climate zone might have an impact on some plants’ life span.

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Pinching:

• Yes, pinch out the main stem at 30 cm height to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.

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Extra Planting Guidelines:

• Mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.

• Water deeply twice a week, avoiding wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues.

• Rotate planting sites annually to reduce soil-borne diseases.

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Common Pests & Diseases:

• Pests: Aphids, red spider mite, thrips, cutworms, slugs.

• Diseases: Powdery mildew, botrytis, gall, and root rot.

  • 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 draining in soil and treat with organic fungicides if needed.
  • Gall: Dig up tubers or plants and discard them by throwing them in a dustbin. Take some of the surrounding soil as well. Sterlise all equipment with a strong bleach and water solution, soak and wash. Don’t plant any dahlias in that spot for at least 3 years.

• Management:

  • Companion planting with basil, marigolds, and garlic to repel insects.

  • Neem oil or insecticidal soap for organic pest control, or a DIY pest control recipe (as us to share the recipe).

  • Avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal issues.

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Companion Plants:

Pest Control & Repellent Plants

• Marigolds – Release a scent that deters nematodes, aphids, and thrips. They’re also great trap crops for spider mites.
• Garlic, Onions, and Chives (Alliums) – Repel aphids, thrips, and Japanese beetles; their sulfur compounds also discourage fungal diseases.
• Basil – Repels aphids, whiteflies, and mosquitoes while attracting pollinators.
• Mint – Strong scent deters ants, aphids, and flea beetles (best kept in pots to prevent spreading).
• Thyme & Rosemary – Aromatic herbs that repel whiteflies, aphids, and other sap-suckers.

Pollinator Attractors

• Lavender – Draws bees and butterflies, improving pollination and overall garden biodiversity.
• Zinnias – Attract bees, butterflies, and hoverflies (which also eat aphids).
• Cosmos – Excellent at luring in beneficial insects like lacewings and parasitic wasps.
• Sunflowers – Attract pollinators and act as a “sacrificial plant” for aphids, keeping them off dahlias.

Soil Health & Nutrient Boosters

• Legumes (Bush beans, peas, clover) – Fix nitrogen in the soil, which supports dahlia growth.
• Borage – Improves soil with trace minerals, attracts pollinators, and is believed to strengthen neighbouring plants.
• Comfrey – Deep-rooted accumulator of nutrients like potassium and calcium, enriching compost when cut and dropped as mulch.

Trap Crops (Sacrificial Plants)

• Nasturtiums – Lure aphids, caterpillars, and whiteflies away from dahlias. They also deter cucumber beetles.
• Sunflowers – Can serve as an aphid magnet, pulling pests away from dahlias.

Ground Cover & Microclimate Helpers

• Creeping Thyme – Works as a fragrant ground cover, suppresses weeds, and attracts pollinators.
• Chamomile – Low-growing, enhances soil health, and repels certain insects.
• Cilantro (Coriander) – Attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and lacewings.

Aesthetic Companions (Visual Balance & Texture)

• Salvia & Verbena – Contrast beautifully with dahlias and draw pollinators.
• Ammi majus (False Queen Anne’s Lace) – Adds airy, lacy texture that highlights the boldness of dahlias.
• Snapdragons – Upright form complements the rounded dahlia blooms.
• Amaranthus – Contrast colour and shapes.
• Cosmos – Height and whimsical texture, and beneficial wasps.
• Zinnia’s – Visual interest and colour

Quick Tip:

• Plant pest-repelling herbs (like garlic or chives) in between or at the edges of your dahlia beds.
• Use trap crops (nasturtiums, sunflowers) a little away from your main dahlia patch.
• Ground covers (creeping thyme, chamomile) can be planted under dahlias to suppress weeds and keep soil cool.

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Care & Handling:

• Fertilising (Organic Options):

  • Apply liquid seaweed or compost tea every 2–3 weeks during growth.

  • Bone meal at the planting stage to boost root and tuber development.

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

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Harvesting & Vase Life:

• When to harvest:

  • Cut flowers when ¾ open, preferably in the early morning.

• Cutting tips:

  • Use sharp, clean secateurs.

  • Cut stems at an angle and immediately place in water.

• Vase Life:

  • 5–7 days with proper care.

• Prolonging vase life:

  • Change water daily, recut stems every 2 days.

  • Keep away from direct sunlight and fruit bowls (ethylene gas shortens life).