Growing Gorgeous White Nettie Dahlias in Your Garden

An Introduction to White Nettie Dahlias

Dahlias are a popular summer-blooming tuberous flower that come in a stunning array of colors, shapes, and sizes. One particularly beautiful variety is the white nettie dahlia.

What Are White Nettie Dahlias?

White nettie dahlias (Dahlia 'White Nettie') are a variety known for their pure white coloring and delicate, semi-cactus shaped blooms. The petals curve slightly backwards, revealing the yellow center disk of the flower. The blooms grow 3-4 inches wide on sturdy stems, making them great for cutting.

White nettie dahlia plants grow up to 4 feet tall. They perform best in zones 8-10, though they can be grown in containers and brought indoors in colder climates. These dahlias make a statement when planted en masse in borders or beds.

Growing White Nettie Dahlias

White nettie dahlias grow from tubers planted in the spring after the last expected frost. Tubers should be planted 4-6 inches deep in soil that drains well. Space the tubers 12-24 inches apart. Water immediately after planting and regularly throughout the growing season.

These dahlias thrive with 6-8 hours of full sun per day. Add a balanced fertilizer once growing actively to keep plants vigorous. Stake taller plants to prevent toppling. Pinch out the first set of buds to encourage bushier growth.

Caring for White Nettie Dahlias

Proper care is required to keep white nettie dahlias looking their best:

• Water 1-2 inches per week depending on rainfall
• Apply a high phosphorus fertilizer every 4-6 weeks
• Pinch out buds on young plants
• Stake plants over 3 feet tall
• Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new flowers
• Watch for common dahlia pests like earwigs, slugs, and aphids

With good care, these dahlias will bloom non-stop from midsummer until fall frost.

Using White Nettie Dahlias

The gorgeous white blooms make this dahlia variety perfect for cut flower arrangements. The semi-cactus petals provide great texture and form. Pair them with other white or pastel flowers like roses, zinnias, asters, and lilies.

In the garden, white nettie dahlias make high impact displays when planted in groups of 7 or more. Try combining them with dark leafed plants for contrast. They also look striking when interplanted with red or purple flowered dahlias. Their bright centers attract pollinators to the garden.

Tips for Growing White Nettie Dahlias

Follow these top tips for successfully growing white nettie dahlias in your garden:

Start with Quality Tubers

Source plump, blemish-free tubers from a reputablegrower. Larger tubers (at least 2 inches diameter) yield the best plants.

Give Them Plenty of Sun

White nettie dahlias need a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Morning sun is ideal as it dries dew from the flowers, preventing fungal issues.

Use Stakes for Support

Insert stakes beside plants when they reach 1-2 feet tall. Tie stems loosely to prevent damage during summer storms.

Limit Nitrogen Fertilizer

Too much nitrogen leads to leafy growth rather than flowers. Opt for a higher phosphorus fertilizer to fuel blooms.

Water Deeply

Shallow watering leads to stunted root growth. Water dahlias deeply, soakingsoil 8-10 inches down each week if nature doesn’t provide.

Deadhead for More Blooms

Snip off spent flowers just above a set of leaves. This neatens plants and promotes continued flowering.

Overwintering White Nettie Dahlias

While white nettie dahlias grow as annuals in some climates, they can be overwintered in zones 7and warmer. Here’s how:

When to Dig Up Tubers

After first fall frost blackens the foliage, use a garden fork to carefully dig up each plant, keeping tubers attached to the stems. Cut stems back to 6 inches above the tuber.

Storing Tubers

Allow clumps to dry upside down in a frost free location for 1-2 weeks. Carefull separate tubers from the stems, discarding any diseased or damaged sections. Place in cardboard boxes with dry peat moss, vermiculite, or shredded paper. Store between 45°F-60°F over winter.

Checking for Viability

In early spring, check tubers for signs of life - plump appearance, sprouting eyes. Discard any that look mushy or dried out. Healthy tubers can be replanted outdoors after danger of frost has passed.

With proper harvesting, storage, and replanting, you can enjoy white nettie dahlias for years to come!

FAQs

How tall do white nettie dahlias grow?

White nettie dahlias grow up to 4 feet tall. They perform best when staked once they reach 1-2 feet tall.

Should I deadhead my dahlias?

Yes, deadheading or removing spent blooms is recommended. It neatens up plants and encourages more flowers.

When is the best time to plant dahlia tubers?

Plant dahlia tubers outdoors after the last expected spring frost when soil temperatures reach 60°F. This is usually early to mid spring.

How much sun do dahlias need?

Dahlias thrive with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, ideally with some sun in the morning to dry dew from flowers.

Can you overwinter dahlias?

Yes, dahlias can be overwintered in zones 7 and warmer. After first fall frost, carefully dig up tubers and allow to dry upside down. Store in a frost free area over winter before replanting.