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 until the first frost in ideal conditions. Complementary in color, height, and bloom time, these brightly colored orange varieties create a harmonious and vivid display in the garden or vase. Dahlias are prolific bloomers, and the more flowers you cut, the more blooms they produce. Be sure to let the flowers almost fully open before harvesting, as they won't continue to open significantly after being cut.

Dahlia Splendid Festival Blend varieties are tender perennials in Zones 9-11. Both 'Holland Festival' and 'Neon Splendor' have a clump-forming, upright habit, making them ideal for mass plantings or grouping in the back of borders and beds. These plants also make a striking accent in large containers. As quintessential cottage garden plants, they are must-haves for cutting gardens. Due to their height and large blooms, staking or caging may be needed to prevent the stems from bending under the weight of the flowers.

Splendid Festival Blend dahlias are easy to grow, thriving in sunny spots with nutrient-rich, porous soil that drains freely. If you have heavy clay or sandy soils, amend them with organic materials such as peat moss or ground bark to improve drainage and moisture retention. Water thoroughly after planting and maintain regular watering during the growing season, ensuring the roots receive adequate moisture without waterlogging the soil. Pinch back plants at 8 to 10 inches tall, trim taller stems, and fertilize in early spring and late summer to encourage bushy growth and abundant blooms. Mulch to maintain soil coolness and moisture, and divide tubers in the fall as needed for continued enjoyment.

Plant tubers outdoors in warm spring soil after frost danger has passed, spacing them 24 to 36 inches apart and planting 3 inches deep. For an early start, plant tubers indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date in 5- to 8-inch pots filled with potting mix, then transplant outdoors when frost is no longer a threat.

NOTE: In Zones 3-7, lift and store tubers indoors before frost in dry peat moss or vermiculite at 50°F. Alternatively, grow Splendid Festival Blend as annuals for vibrant seasonal blooms in any garden.