Dahlia 'Summerflame' - organic flower bulb

Dahlia 'Summerflame' – The Organic Bulb that Lights Up Your Garden

Introduction

The Dahlia 'Summerflame' is a stunning, organically grown bulb that brightens up your garden with its fiery, salmon-colored blooms. This decorative dahlia is renowned for its long blooming period and its compact, low growth. Whether used as a cut flower, in garden borders, or in pots on a balcony, this dahlia not only adds vibrant color but also contributes to a sustainable, organic gardening experience.

Product Description and Features

The Dahlia 'Summerflame' is a medium-sized dahlia with the following specifications:

• Color: Fiery salmon to orange hues
• Height: Approximately 60 cm
• Flower Diameter: 10–15 cm
• Blooming Period: From July until October (sometimes until the first frost)
• Planting Distance: About 50 cm between bulbs
• Planting Depth: Plant the bulb with the old flower stem facing upward, about 2–3 cm below the soil surface
• Usage: Perfect as a cut flower and for decorative purposes in your garden
• Organic: Certified (e.g., SKAL NL-BIO-01) and grown completely without pesticides

Planting Instructions and Care

Indoor Propagation and Outdoor Planting:
Since the Dahlia 'Summerflame' is not frost-hardy, its bulbs can be started indoors from March. This early propagation gives the plants a head start, resulting in earlier blooming. Once the risk of frost has passed (around May 15), the young plants can be transplanted outdoors.

• Indoors: Place the bulbs in a pot with suitable potting soil on a bright, cool spot.
• Outdoors: Plant the bulb with the previous year’s flower stem facing upward, 2–3 cm beneath the surface, and maintain approximately 50 cm distance between each bulb.

Care Tips for Abundant Blooming:

• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, avoiding waterlogging. The general rule is: the more sun the plant receives, the more water it needs.
• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent blooms to stimulate new flower production, ensuring a long-lasting display.
• Feeding: Apply organic plant food or soil conditioners (such as Bio Kultura) several times during the growing season to boost growth.
• Topping: Once the plant reaches active growth (with 2–4 pairs of leaves), pinch or top it just above a leaf node to encourage bushier growth and a fuller bloom.
• Support: Although the plant remains compact, occasional support may be beneficial during windy conditions.

Sustainability and Organic Cultivation

The Dahlia 'Summerflame' is cultivated using organic methods without chemical pesticides or artificial fertilizers. This not only promotes healthy soil and a thriving ecosystem for insects and beneficial microorganisms but also supports a sustainable gardening practice. Choosing organic bulbs means investing in an eco-friendly future and contributing to biodiversity.

Frequently Asked Questions and Extra Tips

• When should I plant Dahlia 'Summerflame'?
  Plant the bulbs preferably after the last frost, around May 15. Bulbs started indoors can be transplanted earlier once nighttime frosts are no longer a risk.
• How do I care for Dahlia 'Summerflame' optimally?
  Ensure a sunny location with well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Regular watering, deadheading, and occasional organic feeding are key to abundant flowering.
• Is Dahlia 'Summerflame' suitable for container gardening?
  Yes, this dahlia thrives in pots. Choose a container with a diameter of at least 40 cm to prevent rapid drying out and to give the plant room to develop.

Conclusion

The Dahlia 'Summerflame' – organic bulb is an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. With its stunning, fiery blooms and long flowering period, this organically grown dahlia transforms any garden into a vibrant and sustainable oasis. Follow the planting and care guidelines, and enjoy a season filled with brilliant color and natural beauty.