DESCRIPTION
How to Grow Flower Bulbs, Bare Roots, Seed Potatoes & More
Growing Organic Cafe Au Lait Dahlia Bulbs
Plant tubers after all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed to at least 60 F in spring. Dig a hole deep enough (4-6 inches), place the tuber with the eye/sprout facing up, and cover with soil. Space 18-24 inches apart to allow for full growth. Stake early to support the large flower heads.
Keep soil moist but not soggy. Fertilize with balanced fertilizer when growth begins; then again every 3-4 weeks during flowering. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Monitor for pests such as slugs and powdery mildew; ensure good airflow to help reduce disease.
Cafe Au Lait in the Garden
This variety is perfect for dramatic cut flowers, where its large blossoms and elegant color really shine. Because of the size and weight of blooms, planting near supports, large stakes, or along fences helps. Works well in containers if large enough and with good drainage.
Harvesting Cafe Au Lait Dahlias
Harvest blooms in the morning when dew has dried. Cut flowers early in bloom stage for longer vase life. Remove foliage when frost threatens; lift tubers after first hard frost in colder areas, dry off, and store in cool, dry conditions.
About Cafe Au Lait Dahlia
Cafe Au Lait was introduced in 1968 and remains one of the most loved dinner-plate dahlias. Its giant creamy-blush-ivory flowers shift tones depending on light and maturity, giving them a luxurious, peony-like plush look. A favorite for weddings, florists, and gardeners alike.
Stories From Our Gardeners
"Each dahlia variety has its own personality, from petite pom-poms to giant dinner plates, and mixing them together makes the garden feel like a living bouquet."
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- Jerry Sawyer, True Leaf Market Writer
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Cafe Au Lait Dahlia Bulbs - Units Per Package:
Organic Cafe Au Lait Dahlia Bulbs are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
ATTRIBUTES
Basic Info
| Latin Name: |
Dahlia ’Cafe Au Lait’ |
| Cafe Au Lait Dahlia Color: |
blush with peach-pink tones |
| Cafe Au Lait Dahlia Flavor: |
Not recommended for consumption. |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: |
Perennial in zones 8, 9, 10; grown as annual in zones 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. |
| Days to Maturity: |
90-120 |
| Planting Depth: |
4-6 inches |
| Plant Spacing: |
18-24 inches apart |
| Plant Height: |
36-48 inches |
| Growth Habit: |
Upright, robust with strong stems |
| Soil Preference: |
Rich, fertile, well-drained soil; amend with compost or organic matter |
| Temperature Preference: |
60-70 F |
| Light Preference: |
Full Sun (6-8 hours); some shelter from strong wind is helpful because big blooms can be heavy |
Other
| Plant Width/Spread: |
24-36 inches |
| Pests and Diseases: |
Watch for slugs, snails, powdery mildew, and aphids; staking recommended; avoid waterlogging of tubers |
| Bloom Time: |
Summer to Fall |
| Easy/Hard: |
Easy |
| Direct Sow: |
Yes, direct sow. |
| Start Indoors: |
In zones 3-7, pot up indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost and transplant outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. |
| Landscape Use: |
Background, borders, mass planting, focal point, containers |