Dahlia Splendid Festival Blend Bulbs

A specialty mix, Splendid Festival Blend contains 2 unique dahlia varieties: Holland Festival and Neon Splendor. These dinnerplate dahlias grow between 36 to 60 inches tall and bloom from late summer to early fall, possibly to first frost in favorable conditions. Complimentary in color, height, and bloom time, these 2 brightly colored orange varieties create a perfectly harmonious and vivid display in garden or vase. Dahlias are prolific bloomers, and the more dahlia flowers you cut, the more dahlias bloom. But allow the flowers to almost fully open in the garden before harvesting because they won't open much more after being cut.

Dahlia Splendid Festival Blend varieties are tender perennials in Zones 9-11. Both Holland Festival dahlia and Neon Splendor dahlia have a clump-forming, upright habit. They are shown to best effect when grouped or massed and are perfect for the back of a border or garden bed. But they also make a gorgeous accent in a container. Dahlias are quintessential cottage garden plants and must-haves for a cutting garden. Splendid Festival Blend varieties are tall plants that may need to be staked or caged to keep the enormous blooms from bending to the ground.

Splendid Festival Blend dahlias are easy to grow, growing best in a sunny spot with rich, porous soil that is freely draining. Organic soil amendments, such as peat moss or ground bark, may need to be worked into very sandy soils that do not hold water or heavy clays that drain slowly. Water bulbs thoroughly at planting and frequently throughout the growing season. Make sure the water reaches the roots but that the soil does not stay soggy. For a bushier plant with a heavier bloom, pinch back Splendid Festival Blend dahlias at 8 to 10 inches tall and cut back some of the taller stems. Dahlias respond well to feeding and benefit from fertilization in early spring and again in late summer. Mulching plants will help keep the soil cool and moist. Dahlias can be divided in fall as needed. With proper placement and care, Splendid Festival Blend varieties will enhance your garden for years to come.

Plant Splendid Festival Blend bulbs after all danger of frost has passed, spacing tubers 24 to 36 inches apart and 3 inches deep in warm spring soil. Dahlia tubers can also be started indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last anticipated frost date. Plant 1 Vancouver Blend tuber per 5- to 8-inch pot filled with potting mix and place in a warm, sunny spot. Place or plant outdoors in spring after the threat of frost has passed.

NOTE: In Zones 3-7, the bulbs will need to be lifted before the first frost and overwintered inside, storing tubers at 50°F in dry peat moss or vermiculite. However, dahlias can be grown as annuals in all Zones.

Dahlias come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. Dahlias are grown from tubers, which are similar to bulbs, so they're easy to plant. Follow our expert's advice on how to plant and care for dahlias in our Dahlia Care Guide. To learn more about dahlias, read our blog All About Dahlias.