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How to Grow Ashwood Strain Coral & Orange Mix

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Ashwood Strain Coral & Orange Mix

Dahlia × hybridus

flower

Ashwood Strain Coral & Orange Mix is a vibrant dahlia variety known for its blend of warm coral and orange-toned blooms. This ornamental flower produces abundant, medium-sized flowers on compact to medium-height plants, making it ideal for borders, containers, and cut flower arrangements. The mix brings tropical warmth and continuous color to gardens throughout the growing season.

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Example Ashwood Strain Coral & Orange Mix timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Ashwood Strain Coral & Orange Mix

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Ashwood Strain Coral & Orange Mix blooms

    Around Jun 26

    ≈ 70 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ashwood Strain Coral & Orange Mix dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; at least 6 hours required for optimal flowering
💧
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water deeply 1-2 times weekly; reduce watering in cooler months. Drought-stressed plants produce fewer flowers.
📏
Spacing: 18-24 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 70-100 days from planting to first flowers
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Planting depth: Plant tubers 4-6 inches deep; start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter
pH: 6.0-6.8
Amendments:
Compost aged manure perlite or sand for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 8-10; can be grown as annuals in cooler zones if tubers are lifted in fall

8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b

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Growth Stages

1

Tuber Dormancy & Sprouting

4-6 weeks

Tubers are dormant or just beginning to sprout. Early shoots emerge 2-4 weeks after planting.

Store tubers in cool, dry location until spring. Plant after last frost when soil has warmed to 60°F. Water sparingly until shoots appear.

2

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Plant develops sturdy stems and lush foliage. Bushy growth with no flowers yet. Height 12-24 inches depending on variety selection.

Pinch growing tips when 12 inches tall to encourage branching and bushier form. Stake or support tall varieties. Remove weeds. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer.

3

Bud Formation

2-3 weeks

Flower buds appear at stem tips. Multiple buds form on each branch as plant matures.

Continue fertilizing with higher phosphorus formula (e.g., 5-10-10) to encourage blooming. Maintain consistent moisture. Pinch secondary buds for larger primary flowers if desired.

4

Flowering

8-12 weeks (until first frost in cooler zones)

Abundant coral and orange blooms open continuously. Individual flowers last 3-7 days. Plant may reach peak height and width.

Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong blooming. Cut flowers for arrangements (they last 5-7 days in water). Continue watering deeply. Monitor for pests and diseases.

5

Senescence & Dormancy

Variable; winter storage phase

In zones 8-9, foliage dies back with first hard frost (below 28°F). In zone 10, plants may continue blooming or slow significantly.

Lift tubers after first frost; cut back stems to 2 inches. Dry tubers in warm location for 2 weeks. Store in cool (50-55°F), dry place over winter for next season.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Zinnias Rudbeckia Coneflowers Russian sage Ornamental grasses Verbena Marigolds Salvia

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Dill Potatoes Cabbage family plants (can share similar pests)

Common Pests

  • Hand-pick in early morning; use beetle traps away from plants; apply spinosad or neem oil in evening

  • Increase humidity with regular misting; spray with water to dislodge; apply miticide if severe

  • Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs

  • Remove affected flowers; apply spinosad or insecticidal soap; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer

  • Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or fungicide if needed; remove affected foliage

  • and

    Remove garden debris; use copper barriers or diatomaceous earth; handpick in early morning; apply slug bait if necessary

Uses

🍳

Edible flowers

Culinary

Dahlia petals are edible with a slightly earthy, subtly sweet flavor. They can be used fresh in salads for color and visual appeal, or crystallized as garnish for desserts. [source]

🏠

Cut flowers & arrangements

Household

Ashwood Strain's vibrant coral and orange hues make exceptional cut flowers for bouquets, centerpieces, and floral arrangements. Their long vase life (5-7 days) and abundant production make them ideal for fresh flower displays. [source]

🦋

Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

Dahlia flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hoverflies throughout the blooming season. These beneficial insects help pollinate other garden plants while adding movement and life to the landscape. [source]

🎨

Dried flower crafts

Craft

Dried dahlia flowers can be used in dried arrangements, potpourri, wreaths, and other craft projects. Air-dry by hanging flower stems upside down in a cool, dark, well-ventilated space. [source]

💊

Traditional wellness

Medicinal

In some traditional medicine systems, dahlia roots and flowers have been used in herbal preparations. Modern research is limited, but historical use suggests mild diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Cut flowers in early morning when buds are just opening for longest vase life. Dahlias are excellent for cutting and last 5-7 days in water. Remove lower foliage from stems before arranging. For seed saving (may not come true to color in mixes), allow flowers to fade on plant and collect dried seed pods. For tuber division, dig tubers after first frost in zones 8-9; divide with at least one eye (growth bud) per division.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Dahlias are native to Mexico and were sacred flowers of the Aztec people, who used them for food and ceremonies before European contact.
  • 🌱 The Ashwood Strain represents the work of specialized dahlia breeders who select for specific color ranges and plant habits; color mixes ensure diverse visual interest in gardens.
  • 🌱 Dahlias have tuberous roots that can be divided and replanted, making them economical perennials in frost-free zones—a single plant can produce dozens of tubers over several years.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead Full Sun pH
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