Dahlia 'Softie' typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.
dahlia
Dahlia 'Softie'
Dahlia 'Softie' is a stunning variety of the dahlia family that blooms with creamy-white petals. Its eye catching daisy-like look and wispy foliage make it an eye-catching addition to any garden. Its substantial size gives it great visual impact, and its delicate petals are sure to add a touch of romance to any garden. Moreover, it's an easy to care for plant that enjoys regular watering. It requires little maintenance and will bloom almost continuously from mid-summer until early fall, providing you with a steady flow of stunning blooms for you to enjoy. Dahlia 'Softie' is truly a remarkable species that is sure to bring beauty to your garden.
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Division,Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
7 - 10
Flowers:
Pink with yellow center Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
High
Care Level:
High
watering
Dahlias should be watered deeply and frequently for best performance. In ideal conditions, they need 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water per week, preferably applied in 2–3 split waterings. When temperatures are high, water more often to prevent wilting. Dividing, planting, and transplanting will all require more water. For Dahlia 'Softie', water only the base of the plant as the outer petals may suffer from excess water. Water in the early morning to allow it to dry before nightfall. Avoid spraying foliage and keep wet petals away from the sun to prevent scorching. If possible, use soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems to prevent water loss from evaporation and runoff.
sunlight
Dahlia 'Softie' is best grown in a location that provides full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours daily. For best results, provide the dahlia with full sun throughout the day. To maximize performance, it should receive maximum sunlight in the morning hours and gradually less throughout the afternoon. Partial shade during the hottest portions of the day may also be beneficial, although the plant prefers the most sun it can get.
pruning
Dahlia 'Softie' should be pruned in early spring when the buds begin to swell. The amount of pruning required for dahlias depends upon the size and shape desired. For dahlias grown primarily as border plants, prune off all weak or dead stems. Additionally, you will need to remove the spent flower heads and prune remaining stems to promote a bushier shape. When formulating a pruning plan, always leave at least 1 third of the original plant and no fewer than 5 shoots in order to ensure proper flowering. Excessive pruning during the growing season may also be necessary to control size.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering
Starts Flowering
Dahlia 'Softie' typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.
Hardiness Map
FAQ
Is Dahlia a perennial or an annual plant?
Dahlia is a perennial plant, meaning that it will bloom and grow for several years. It is capable of surviving warm and cold climates, with the exception of regions with extreme temperatures. It will go dormant in colder temperatures but will become active again when the ground warms up. Dahlia needs full sun and flowers for most of the summer and into the fall. It is an excellent choice for a garden due to its unique and vibrant colored flowers.
Could Dahlias be grown in pots or containers?
Yes, Dahlias can be grown in pots and containers. When planting, it is important to choose a large container with plenty of room for root growth. The container should be filled with quality potting soil that is well-draining, and not overly wet. When planting and caring for the dahlia plants, ensure the soil is kept moist, but not overly saturated. Also, be careful when watering, as too much water can cause the roots to rot. Regular fertilization will help promote healthy growth and blooming.
Do Dahlias have a fragrance?
Dahlias do have a fragrance - a sweet, floral scent. They usually give off more smell when the blooms begin to fade. Different varieties of dahlias can have different levels of fragrance. The darker bloom varieties have a strong smell while the lighter-colored ones have a milder smell. The intensity of the fragrance will vary with the amount of sunlight they receive.
Should Dahlias be grown from seeds or tubers?
Dahlias can be grown from either seeds or tubers. Growing from tubers is the more popular and recommended method, because it generally gives quicker results. Seed-grown plants require extensive effort to get the desired results, with the advantage of producing an ever-changing array of flowers in many sizes, shapes and colors. Alternatively, tubers produce blooms that are mostly more uniform in characteristics, but with flowers forming in a fraction of the time. So it really comes down to whether you would prefer an assortment of varieties and more effort or quicker production with more uniformity.
Could Dahlias be grown hydroponically?
Yes, dahlias can be grown hydroponically. Hydroponic systems allow plants to grow without the use of soil, instead using a nutrient-rich solution that is delivered directly to the root system of the plant. Dahlias do best in highly oxygenated environments, which a hydroponic setup can provide. Additionally, hydroponic systems can save water by reusing most of the nutrient solution used, plus the lack of soil eliminates the need for weeding, making hydroponic dahlias easy and convenient to care for.
Are Dahlias affected by climate change?
Yes, dahlias can be affected by climate change. Warmer temperatures and more extreme weather patterns can lead to shorter flowering periods, an increase in pests, and an increase in diseases. Additionally, dahlias are heavily reliant on water, so drought can cause them to dry out and not produce flowers. As a result, dahlia growers must be prepared to adapt their growing practices to changes in the climate.
