Dahlia ‘Karma Choc’

One of the darkest Dahlias, Dahlia ‘Karma Choc’ is an exceptional variety, embodying the elegance and beauty of the Decorative Dahlias. Its distinctive chocolate-brown blooms, combined with a sturdy growth habit and versatility in use, make it a prized choice for both gardeners and floral designers. Whether used to enhance the beauty of a garden, as a striking element in floral arrangements, or as part of a competitive display, ‘Karma Choc’ continues to be celebrated for its unique color, form, and horticultural appeal. This dahlia is featured in our top 40 must-see dahlia flowers.

Dahlia ‘Karma Choc’: An In-depth Look

Dahlia ‘Karma Choc’ is a captivating variety from the Karma series, known for their suitability in cut flower arrangements. It’s a decorative dahlia celebrated for its deep, chocolate-brown blooms tinged with burgundy, and a velvety texture that adds an aura of luxury and sophistication.

Dahlia ‘Karma Choc’ belongs to the ‘Karma’ Collection, a series of Dahlias bred to produce exceptionally long-lasting cut flowers.

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. This variety is noted for its vigorous growth and strong stems, making it an excellent choice for both garden beds and floral displays.

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

Flowers: The flowers of ‘Karma Choc’ are its most striking feature. They are medium-sized, typically measuring 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in diameter. The petals exhibit a unique chocolate-brown color with hints of burgundy, especially near the petal edges, which can intensify in cooler temperatures. The bloom’s deep, rich tones and full, rounded form make it a standout in any setting.

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: ‘Karma Choc’ is incredibly versatile and highly valued in floral arrangements for its unique color and strong stems. In gardens, it serves as a stunning focal point in borders or can be used to create an impactful display in mixed beds. The striking contrast between its dark blooms and the green foliage also makes it an ideal candidate for container gardening.

Award: Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.

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.