Dahlia 'Sweet Nathalie', known for its soft blush pink petals and creamy center. Here's some helpful information:
- Bloom Size: Flowers are about 5 inches in diameter.
- Plant Height: Grows to approximately 3.5 to 4 feet tall.
- Bloom Time: Flowers bloom from summer through late fall.
- Growing Conditions: Thrives in full sun, needing 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
- Uses: Popular for cut flower gardens, wedding arrangements, and home decor.
- Care: Easy to grow and maintain, attracting bees, butterflies, and pollinators.
- Features: Known for its long, strong stems, making it ideal for bouquets.
- Harvesting: Best harvested when blooms are three-quarters open.
**Dahlia Seedling Growth Guide**
**When to Plant:**
In the Southern Hemisphere, dahlia seeds should be sown indoors from late winter to early spring (approximately August to September) to allow for a head start. Once the danger of frost has passed, typically in late spring (October), seedlings can be transplanted outdoors.
**How to Plant:**
1. **Seed Preparation:** Start by soaking dahlia seeds in water for 24 hours to enhance germination.
2. **Sowing:** Fill seed trays or pots with a quality seed-starting mix. Sow seeds approximately 1 cm deep, spacing them 5-10 cm apart.
3. **Watering:** Gently water the soil to moisten it, ensuring not to saturate. Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging.
4. **Transplanting:** Once seedlings are 15-20 cm tall and have developed a few true leaves, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week. Transplant into well-draining garden beds, spacing plants 30-90 cm apart, depending on the variety.
**Preferred Conditions:**
- **Light:** Full sun (at least 6-8 hours per day).
- **Soil:** Well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
- **Watering:** Regular watering is essential, particularly during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging.
- **Temperature:** Ideal daytime temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C.
Following these guidelines will promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms in your dahlia plants.
Dahlia 'Sweet Nathalie
Seed from an open-pollinated field, photo of the mother plant.