Nick Sr.

Nick Sr. dahlias typically grow to be about 3 to 4 feet (90 to 120 cm) tall. These beautiful plants produce large, semi-double blooms with white petals and a pink blush at the tips. The flowers can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter and are held high on sturdy stems that do require staking to prevent them from falling down because of the heavy blooms.

Nick Sr. dahlias are a popular choice for gardens, borders, and cut flower arrangements due to their striking appearance and long-lasting blooms. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.

To successfully grow Nick Sr. dahlias, you need to follow a few important steps.

• Firstly, choose a sunny location with well-draining soil, and ensure the soil is rich in organic matter.
• Secondly, plant the dahlia tubers in early spring, making sure to space them at least 2 feet apart.
• Water the plants regularly, ensuring the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged. Additionally, you should fertilize the dahlias with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season.
• Finally, be sure to deadhead the plants regularly to encourage continued blooming throughout the season.

With proper care, your Nick Sr. dahlias will thrive and produce stunning blooms all season long.

While they are hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11, they may not survive winter in colder regions. In areas where the ground freezes, leaving dahlias in the ground over winter can lead to root rot and other damage.

To protect your Nick Sr. dahlias in colder regions, it's best to dig them up after the first frost, when the foliage has turned black, and store them in a cool, dry place until spring. This will help ensure that the bulbs remain healthy and ready for replanting in the spring.

If you live in a milder climate where the ground doesn't freeze, you may be able to leave your Nick Sr. dahlias in the ground with some winter protection, such as a layer of mulch or a frost cloth.

To winterize Nick Sr. dahlias, you should start by cutting back the foliage to about 6 inches above the soil level after the first frost has killed the foliage. Next, dig up the tubers and remove any excess soil, being careful not to damage them. Allow the tubers to dry in a cool, dark, and dry place for a few days, then pack them in a layer of dry peat moss, sawdust, or vermiculite inside a box or a paper bag.

Store the tubers in a cool, dry, and dark location, such as a basement, at a temperature between 35-50°F (2-10°C) until spring, when they can be replanted. Check on the tubers periodically during storage to ensure they are not drying out or rotting.