Dahlia – Dinnerplate Fairway Spur
Make a bold statement in your garden with the impressive blooms of Dinnerplate Fairway Spur Dahlia. This striking variety produces enormous, fully double flowers in warm shades of soft peach, coral, and apricot. The large, beautifully layered petals create a full, lush bloom that can reach dinnerplate size, making it a stunning focal point in garden beds and floral arrangements.
Fairway Spur dahlias are known for their strong stems and abundant flowering habit. From mid-summer until the first frost, these plants produce continuous blooms that bring vibrant color and dramatic beauty to the landscape. Their large blossoms are especially prized in cutting gardens and are a favorite for bouquets and event arrangements. The flowers also help attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Plant Details
Plant Type: Flowering Bulb (Tuber)
Flower Color: Soft peach, coral, and apricot tones
Bloom Size: Extra-large dinnerplate blooms (8–10 inches or larger)
Plant Height: 36–48 inches
Bloom Time: Mid-summer to first frost
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Uses: Garden beds, borders, cutting gardens, and floral arrangements
Growing Instructions for Zone 3b
Dahlias are not winter hardy in colder climates and should be planted after the danger of frost has passed. In Zone 3b, tubers must be lifted and stored indoors during winter.
Planting Time
Plant tubers outdoors in late spring once the final frost has passed and soil temperatures reach about 60°F (15–16°C).
Location
Choose a location receiving 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily with rich, well-drained soil.
Planting Depth
- Dig a hole 4–6 inches deep.
- Place the tuber horizontally with the growing eye facing upward.
- Cover with soil and water lightly.
Spacing
Space plants 18–24 inches apart to allow room for the large plants and maintain good airflow.
Watering
Water lightly after planting. Once shoots appear, maintain consistent moisture while avoiding waterlogged soil.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced fertilizer every 3–4 weeks during the growing season to support healthy growth and large blooms.
Support
- Because of the large dinnerplate blooms, staking is recommended to prevent stems from bending or breaking.
Overwintering in Zone 3b
- After the first frost blackens the foliage, cut stems back to 4–6 inches.
- Carefully dig up the tubers and allow them to dry for several days.
- Store in peat moss, sawdust, or vermiculite in a cool, dry, frost-free location (40–50°F) until spring.
With proper care, Dinnerplate Fairway Spur Dahlias will produce spectacular oversized blooms that bring vibrant color, dramatic size, and elegance to summer gardens and stunning floral arrangements.