Dahlia Dinnerplate 'Great Hercules'

Dahlia Dinnerplate 'Great Hercules' is a truly magnificent variety known for its enormous blooms, bold colors, and towering height. With flowers measuring up to 12 inches in diameter, it makes a stunning addition to any garden. The vibrant orange/red/yellow hues, combined with the large, full flowers, create a dramatic effect that is perfect for garden displays and floral arrangements. With proper care, including staking, regular deadheading, and appropriate fertilization, 'Great Hercules' will reward you with months of stunning flowers, making it a showstopper in both the garden and in cut flower arrangements.

Zones: 3 - 11

General Characteristics:

• Type: Dinnerplate Dahlia
• Flower Shape: The blooms of Dahlia 'Great Hercules' are classic "Dinnerplate" form, meaning they are large, round, and flat with a full, circular shape. The petals are broad and elegantly arranged in layers that radiate outward from a central disk, giving the flower its characteristic large, disc-like appearance.
• Bloom Color: The color of 'Great Hercules' is a stunning blend of vibrant, deep red and rich magenta hues. The petals have a slightly darker edge, which contrasts beautifully with the lighter, central portions of the flower. The combination of these intense colors creates a striking and bold visual impact, making the flower stand out in any setting.
• Flower Size: As a Dinnerplate variety, the blooms of 'Great Hercules' are enormous, often reaching 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) in diameter. This makes them some of the largest blooms among dahlias, ideal for those seeking dramatic and impressive flowers.
• Petal Texture: The petals of 'Great Hercules' are smooth and firm, with a slight waxy finish. This texture helps the petals maintain their shape, even in windy or rainy conditions, and adds to the flower's durability.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: Dahlia 'Great Hercules' is a tall variety, typically growing to 4 to 5 feet (120 to 150 cm). This height makes it perfect for planting at the back of garden beds or as a central focal point in a mixed flower border.
• Spread: The plant has a moderate spread, reaching about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) in width. Its slightly bushy form helps to fill out garden spaces without becoming overly sprawling.
• Foliage: The foliage is dark green with a slightly glossy finish. The leaves are large and deeply lobed, contributing to the plant’s full appearance. The dark green leaves provide a nice contrast to the bold colors of the blooms.
• Growth Habit: 'Great Hercules' has an upright growth habit, with strong and sturdy stems that support the large, heavy flowers. However, due to the size of the blooms, the plant may require staking or support to keep the flowers upright, particularly in windy or rainy conditions.

Growing Conditions:

• Sunlight: Like most dahlias, 'Great Hercules' thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and bloom production. Sunlight is critical for the plant to grow vigorously and produce large, vibrant flowers.
• Soil: The plant prefers well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. Slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0 to 6.5) is ideal. Adding compost or well-rotted manure will improve the soil structure and provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.
• Watering: Regular watering is essential to keep the plant hydrated, but the soil should not be allowed to become waterlogged. The dahlia prefers moist but well-drained soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so good drainage is a must.
• Hardiness Zone: 'Great Hercules' is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 8 to 10. In colder climates, the tubers should be dug up before the first frost, stored indoors over the winter, and replanted in the spring.

Blooming Period:

• Flowering Time: Dahlia 'Great Hercules' starts blooming in mid to late summer, typically beginning in July. It continues to bloom through the fall, often lasting until the first frost. The long blooming period ensures vibrant, showy flowers for much of the growing season.
• Pollinators: The large, bold flowers attract various pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These insects help with pollination, which is beneficial for the overall health of the garden.

Care and Maintenance:

• Deadheading: Regular deadheading is important to encourage the plant to produce more flowers and to maintain its appearance. Removing spent blooms prevents the plant from diverting energy to seed production and ensures a longer blooming period.
• Fertilization: A balanced fertilizer should be applied in early spring to encourage healthy growth. Once the plant starts blooming, use a fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium to support the growth of large, vibrant blooms. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
• Pest and Disease Control: While generally resistant to pests, dahlias can sometimes attract aphids, slugs, and snails. Regularly inspect the plant for pests, and use organic treatments like neem oil if necessary. Proper air circulation helps prevent fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, so avoid overcrowding plants and ensure good spacing.
• Staking: Given the large size of the blooms and the height of the plant, staking or providing support is often necessary. Staking ensures that the flowers remain upright and are not damaged by wind or heavy rain. Support can be provided using plant ties or grow-through supports to hold the stems and flowers in place.

Uses:

• Garden Beds: Dahlia 'Great Hercules' is a fantastic addition to garden beds, particularly as a focal point due to its large and vibrant flowers. Its tall stature makes it perfect for the back of borders or as an accent plant in mixed plantings.
• Cut Flowers: The giant blooms of 'Great Hercules' make it an excellent cut flower. They have a long vase life, often lasting for up to a week or more, and the dramatic size and color make them a favorite for floral arrangements, especially in large bouquets for events like weddings or parties.
• Landscaping: Due to its bold appearance, 'Great Hercules' can be used effectively in landscaping, providing a statement piece in garden designs. It works well in both formal and informal settings, adding height and color contrast to the landscape.

Planting Instructions

1. Choosing the Right Location

Dahlias require specific growing conditions to thrive, so selecting the right spot is key:

• Sunlight: Dahlias love full sun. Choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The more sun they get, the better the blooming.
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil is essential. Dahlias do best in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0 to 7.0). If your soil is heavy clay or drains poorly, amend it with organic matter (like compost) to improve drainage and fertility.
• Protection from Wind: Although dahlias are relatively tall and sturdy, they can be vulnerable to strong winds. Plant them in a sheltered spot to prevent breakage or damage to the flowers.

2. When to Plant Dahlias

Dahlias are warm-season flowers and should be planted once the threat of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. In most regions, this means planting them in late spring, typically around late April to early May, after the last frost date.

• Soil Temperature: The ideal soil temperature for planting dahlia tubers is around 60°F (15°C). If the soil is too cold, the tubers may rot before they have a chance to sprout.

3. Preparing the Soil

Good soil preparation helps dahlias grow strong and healthy:

• Amend the Soil: Before planting, work compost or well-rotted manure into the soil. This adds nutrients and helps with drainage.
• Loosen the Soil: Dahlias have tubers that need to spread out, so make sure the soil is loose, not compacted.
• Add Fertilizer: Mix a slow-release balanced fertilizer or one specifically designed for flowering plants into the soil before planting to give your dahlias a nutrient boost.

4. Planting the Tubers

Once the soil is prepared, it's time to plant your dahlia tubers.

• Spacing: Dahlias should be spaced about 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart, depending on the variety. Taller varieties may need more space, while compact varieties can be planted a bit closer together.
• Planting Depth: Dig a hole or trench around 6 inches (15 cm) deep. Place the tuber in the hole with the "eyes" (small, bud-like protrusions) facing upward. If you’re planting multiple tubers, make sure there is enough room for the tubers to spread out as they grow.
• Orientation: If the tuber has a noticeable direction (like a flat side), plant it so that the eyes are facing upward. If unsure, it’s fine to plant the tuber sideways or with the flat side facing down.
• Covering: Gently cover the tuber with soil, and water it well after planting. Avoid burying the tuber too deeply; about 6 inches is ideal. The soil should be loose enough to allow the tuber to sprout easily.

5. Watering and Mulching

• Watering: After planting, water the area thoroughly to settle the soil around the tuber. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, while the tubers are establishing themselves. Once the plants start growing, they need consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
• Mulching: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Organic mulch like straw, leaves, or grass clippings works well. However, avoid placing mulch directly on the tubers.

6. Staking or Supporting Dahlias

Dahlias can grow tall, especially larger varieties, so they may need support:

• Staking: To prevent the stems from flopping over, you can insert stakes near the plants and tie the stems loosely to the stakes. This is especially important for tall varieties or those with large flowers.
• Cages: Another option is to use a wire cage around the plant to provide support as it grows. This keeps the plant upright and the flowers undamaged by wind or rain.

7. Fertilizing and Care During the Growing Season

Once your dahlias are planted, it’s important to feed and care for them as they grow:

• Fertilizing: After planting, you can give dahlias a light dose of a high-phosphorus fertilizer to encourage blooming. Later in the growing season, switch to a balanced fertilizer or one that is lower in nitrogen. Over-fertilizing with too much nitrogen can result in lush foliage but fewer flowers.
• Deadheading: Remove spent blooms regularly to encourage new flowers and keep the plant looking tidy.
• Pruning: Prune the stems lightly to encourage branching. If you're growing large varieties, you may want to pinch off the top few buds to encourage bushier growth.

8. Aftercare and Harvesting

• Watering: Ensure that dahlias receive regular watering throughout the growing season, especially when the weather is hot and dry. The soil should stay moist but not waterlogged.
• Cutting Flowers: Dahlias are wonderful cut flowers! If you want to enjoy them indoors, cut them in the early morning or evening when they’re freshest, and place them in water immediately.

9. Overwintering Dahlias (for cold climates)

• Digging Up Tubers: In colder climates (zones 7 and below), you’ll need to dig up dahlia tubers before the first frost hits. Carefully lift the tubers with a spade or fork, being careful not to damage them. Trim the foliage and let the tubers dry for a couple of days in a cool, dry place.
• Storage: After drying, store the tubers in a cool, frost-free location, like a basement or garage, in a box with peat moss, sawdust, or sand to keep them dry. Check on the tubers periodically to make sure they haven’t rotted.