Dahlia - Salmon Runner

Dahlia – Salmon Runner

Add vibrant warmth and movement to your summer garden with the beautiful blooms of Salmon Runner Dahlia. This striking variety produces large, decorative flowers in glowing shades of salmon, coral, and soft pink with subtle warm undertones. The richly colored petals form full, layered blooms that stand out beautifully in garden beds and floral displays.

Salmon Runner is known for its vigorous growth and reliable flower production. The tall, sturdy stems make it an excellent choice for cut flower gardens, providing long-lasting blooms that look stunning in bouquets and arrangements. From mid-summer until the first frost, this dahlia produces a continuous display of colorful flowers while attracting bees and butterflies to the garden.

Plant Details

Plant Type: Flowering Bulb (Tuber)
Flower Color: Salmon, coral, and soft pink tones
Bloom Size: Large decorative blooms
Plant Height: 34–48 inches
Bloom Time: Mid-summer to first frost
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Uses: Garden beds, borders, containers, and cut flower arrangements

Growing Instructions for Zone 3b

Dahlias are not winter hardy in cold climates and should be planted after frost danger has passed. In Zone 3b, tubers must be lifted and stored indoors over winter.

Planting Time
Plant tubers outdoors in late spring once the final frost has passed and soil temperatures reach about 15–16°C (60°F).

Location
Choose a sunny location that receives at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Dahlias thrive in rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.

Planting Depth

• Dig a hole about 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 mature growth and good air circulation.

Watering
Water lightly after planting. Once shoots emerge, provide consistent moisture while avoiding soggy soil.

Fertilizing
Apply a balanced fertilizer every 3–4 weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.

Support
Due to the plant’s height and large flowers, staking may be helpful to keep stems upright and prevent breakage.

Overwintering in Zone 3b

• After the first frost blackens the foliage, cut stems back to 4–6 inches.
• Carefully dig up the tubers and remove excess soil.
• Allow tubers to dry for several days in a cool, airy location.
• Store in peat moss, sawdust, or vermiculite in a cool, dry, frost-free place around 4–10°C (40–50°F) until spring.

With proper care, Salmon Runner Dahlias will produce months of vibrant salmon-colored blooms, adding warmth, height, and elegance to summer gardens and fresh flower arrangements.