Dahlia 'Otto's Thrill' Bulbs

Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit

A favorite among gardeners, florists, and wedding planners alike, 'Otto's Thrill' is a classic dinnerplate dahlia that grows to approximately 36 to 48 inches tall and blooms from late summer through early fall, possibly to first frost in ideal conditions. Borne on strong, sturdy stems, the breathtaking blooms unfurl into huge, 8- to 10-inch fully double flowers with symmetrically arranged broad, flat to slightly curled petals in various shades of pink. These much-loved romantic blooms just beg to be cut for enormous monofloral bouquets or additions to mixed flower arrangements. Just don't cut them too early. Enjoy them in the garden until they are almost fully open before cutting. But don't hesitate because harvesting them just encourages more blooms.

Dahlia 'Otto's Thrill' is tender perennial in Zones 9-11 with a clump-forming, upright habit. A quintessential cottage garden plant, it's a perfect choice for the back of a border or bed, and it can also be grown in a large container. But 'Otto's Thrill' dahlia is an absolute must-have in a cutting garden. This tall plant may require staking or caging to keep the enormous blooms from bending to the ground.

Exact care for dahlias may depend on the Zone in which they are being grown, but 'Otto's Thrill' dahlias are generally easy to grow in sunny spots with rich, porous soil that freely drains. Organic soil amendments, such as peat moss or ground bark, may need to be worked into heavy clays that drain slowly or very sandy soils that do not hold water. Water bulbs thoroughly at planting and frequently throughout the growing season, making sure water reaches the roots but they do not stay soggy. For a bushier plant with a heavier bloom, pinch back 'Otto's Thrill' dahlias at 8 to 10 inches tall, cut back some of the taller stems, and fertilize 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 care and placement, 'Otto's Thrill' will enhance your garden for years to come.

Plant 'Otto's Thrill' bulbs after all danger of frost has passed, spacing tubers 18 to 24 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 'Otto's Thrill' 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.

SKU: 44371-PK-5
Genus: Dahlia
Species: dinnerplate
Variety: 'Otto's Thrill'
Item Form: Bulb
Bloom Color: Coral, Multi-Color, Pink
Foliage Color: Medium Green
Habit: Upright
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Moisture Requirements:

• Moist, well-drained

Bloom Start: Late Summer
Bloom End: Early Fall
Uses:

• Beds
• Border
• Containers
• Cut Flowers
• Fall Color

Special Features:

• Bloom First Year
• Easy Care Plants
• Long Bloomers
• Award Winner

Hardiness Zones: 9 - 11
State Shipping Restrictions: GU, PR, VI

*Does Not Qualify for Additional Discounts