Dahlia ‘Akita’

A real showstopper, Dahlia ‘Akita’ is a remarkable and vibrant variety, offering a compelling mix of striking colors and robust growth. Its adaptability, ease of cultivation, and stunning appearance make it a highly sought-after choice for gardeners and floral designers. Whether used to enhance the beauty of a garden space, as a standout in floral arrangements, or as part of a competitive display, ‘Akita’ continues to captivate with its fiery, painted petals and horticultural appeal.

Dahlia ‘Akita’: An In-depth Look

Dahlia ‘Akita’ is an exotic and visually stunning variety, classified within the decorative dahlia group. It is celebrated for its distinctive, variegated flowers, which exhibit a mesmerizing blend of red, yellow, and white hues. Decorative Dahlias are known for their fully double flowers, with broad petals arranged in a dense, symmetrical pattern.

Native: Dahlias are native to Mexico and Central America. This cultivar results from extensive breeding and does not occur naturally in the wild.

Plant Type and Habit: This dahlia is a tuberous-rooted perennial with a bushy, upright growth habit. It is known for its strength and resilience, providing a striking and reliable display in various garden settings.

Size: It generally reaches about 36-48 inches in height (90-120 cm) and spreads around 18-24 inches (30-60 cm), depending on growing conditions.

Flowers: The flowers of ‘Akita’ are a highlight, showcasing a captivating blend of red petals tipped with yellow and white. The blooms are medium to large in size, usually measuring about 5 inches (13 cm) in diameter. The intricate color pattern on each petal gives the flower a fiery, painted appearance, making each bloom a unique work of art.

Bloom Time: Blooming from mid-summer until the first frost it provides long-lasting color in the garden.

Foliage: The foliage is a lush green, providing a fresh and vibrant backdrop for its colorful blooms. The leaves are compound and arranged symmetrically along the stems, contributing to the plant’s overall healthy and full appearance.

Uses: Dahlia Akita’ is highly versatile in landscaping and floral design. Its unique and eye-catching blooms make it a popular choice for cutting gardens and stunning in floral arrangements. In the garden, it serves as an excellent focal point in borders or can be used to create a dynamic impact in mixed beds. The plant’s size and the dramatic coloring of its flowers also make it suitable for container planting.

Hardiness: Dahlias are hardy in USDA zones 8-11. In colder zones, tubers need to be lifted and stored over winter.

Toxicity: Dahlias are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Their ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal upset and other health issues in pets and livestock.

Wildlife: While visually stunning, the complex petal structure of this dahlia makes it more difficult for pollinators to access the nectar and pollen. It is less effective in attracting pollinators than single-flowered or open-centered dahlia types.

Deer and Rabbit: Dahlias are somewhat resistant to deer and rabbits but may still be vulnerable to browsing.

Invasiveness: Not invasive; dahlias grow from tubers and do not spread aggressively.

Dahlia Growing Tips

Light: Dahlias love the sun, so choose a location with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.

Soil: Dahlias prefer well-drained, loamy soil. They don’t tolerate water-logged conditions, so if your soil is heavy clay, consider amending it with compost or peat moss to improve drainage.

Planting Time: Dahlias are usually planted in the spring after the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up.

Planting Depth: Dahlia tubers should be planted about 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) deep, with the “eye” (the small bump from where the stem will grow) facing upward.

Watering: Dahlias like consistent moisture. Water them deeply a couple of times a week, more often if your area is experiencing a drought. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing: Dahlias respond well to low-nitrogen fertilizers, such as a 5-10-10 or 10-20-20. Too much nitrogen can lead to lush, leafy growth and fewer flowers.

Deadheading: Regularly removing the spent flowers (deadheading) will keep your dahlias producing more blooms.

Overwintering: In colder climates (zones 7 and below), you’ll need to dig up and store the tubers indoors over the winter.

Pests and Diseases: Dahlias are generally relatively disease and pest-resistant, but there are a few common issues to watch out such as aphids, botrytis blight, earwigs, powdery mildew, slugs and snails, spider mites, and thrips.