Dahlia Chicago

Dahlia Chicago: Two-Tone Pink Tuber for Striking Ombre Blooms

Bring the captivating beauty of the Dahlia Chicago tuber to your garden. This tall, upright plant, reaching 100–120 cm in height with a spread of 45–50 cm, is a superb choice for creating a dramatic focal point. Its well-branched habit and sturdy stems showcase the stunning, fully-double blooms, which measure approximately 11 cm. The flowers open in a rich rose-pink and soften to a delicate blush as they age, with the inner petals retaining a deeper hue, creating a beautiful two-tone “ombre” effect that adds depth and visual interest to any space.

Dahlia Chicago is a premium tuber and a favorite among collectors due to its limited availability. Its elegant pink flowers are perfect for creating premium bouquets with a long vase life of 7–10 days. The plant offers a generous display of color from late November through March, and with consistent deadheading and maintenance, it can easily produce over 100 blooms per plant throughout the season.

Growing Calendar

• Plant tubers: mid-September (after daytime highs ease below ~38°C).
• First flowers: late-November / early-December.
• Peak display: December – March.

Best Uses

• Tall border focal points.
• Large patio containers ( 45 cm).
• Premium pink cut flowers.

Planting & Care Guide

• Light: Full sun; provide light afternoon shade or 30% shade-cloth if temperatures exceed 40°C.
• Soil: Deep, fertile, perfectly drained. Mix 5 L of mature compost and ½ cup of crab & lobster shell meal into each planting hole.
• Depth & spacing: Plant tuber 10 cm deep, 45 cm apart; eyes facing up.
• Water: After shoots appear, deep-soak every 3–4 days; allow the top 3 cm to dry between irrigations to deter rot.
• Feed (Fertilizing): Monthly low-nitrogen organic bloom fertiliser (~3-6-4) until February, then stop.
• Maintenance: Pinch at 35–40 cm for extra branches, stake, and dead-head to exceed 100+ blooms.