How to Grow Carnation Flowered Dahlia 'Sunset Boulevard'
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Carnation Flowered Dahlia 'Sunset Boulevard'
Dahlia × hybrida 'Sunset Boulevard'
flowerSunset Boulevard is a stunning carnation-type dahlia featuring fully double blooms in warm sunset hues of orange, coral, and gold. This mid-height variety produces prolific flowers ideal for cutting and garden displays, blooming from summer through fall. The ruffled petals create a romantic, abundant appearance perfect for bouquets and landscape color.
When should you plant Carnation Flowered Dahlia 'Sunset Boulevard' in your zone?
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Example Carnation Flowered Dahlia 'Sunset Boulevard' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Carnation Flowered Dahlia 'Sunset Boulevard'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Carnation Flowered Dahlia 'Sunset Boulevard' blooms
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 7-10; grown as annual in colder zones
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Get my Carnation Flowered Dahlia 'Sunset Boulevard' timeline →Growth Stages
Sprouting
2-3 weeksTuber develops shoots and roots; small green stems emerge from soil
Water sparingly after planting; keep soil warm (60-70°F); provide bottom heat if possible
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksBushy foliage develops with multiple stems and compound leaves; plant reaches 3-4 feet tall
Pinch growing tips when plant is 12 inches tall to encourage branching; stake or support tall stems; fertilize every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer
Bud Formation
2-3 weeksFlower buds appear at stem tips; multiple buds develop on each branch
Remove side buds (disbud) if giant blooms desired; maintain consistent watering; switch to high-phosphorus fertilizer to promote flowering
Flowering
10-14 weeks (continuous until frost)Large, fully double carnation-form blooms in sunset tones open; flowers are 4-5 inches across with ruffled petals
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms; cut flowers early morning for vase arrangements; provide stakes for heavy flower heads
Dormancy
3-4 monthsFoliage blackens after frost; tubers enter dormancy underground
In zones 7-8, cut back stems to 2 inches; mulch heavily with 6-8 inches of leaves or straw; in zones 9-10, may remain evergreen; store lifted tubers in cool (50-55°F), dry location
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to increase humidity; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; ensure good air circulation
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Remove infected flowers; use sticky traps; spray with spinosad or insecticidal soap
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Hand-pick beetles in early morning; use pheromone traps away from plants; apply neem oil
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Use copper barriers or diatomaceous earth; hand-pick at night; avoid overhead watering
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Improve air circulation; spray with sulfur or baking soda solution (1 tbsp per gallon); remove infected foliage
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryDahlia petals are edible and can garnish salads, desserts, and cocktails, adding visual appeal and a slightly peppery flavor. Use only organic, pesticide-free blooms. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
CraftSunset Boulevard dahlias are prized by florists for their romantic ruffled form and warm colors, perfect for wedding bouquets, centerpieces, and floral arrangements. They rank among the best dahlia varieties for cutting. [source]
Dried Flowers
HouseholdBlooms can be air-dried by hanging stems upside down in a warm, dark location for 2-3 weeks, creating long-lasting decorative flowers for dried arrangements. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeDahlia flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making them valuable for supporting pollinator populations in gardens. [source]
Traditional Uses
MedicinalIn traditional medicine, dahlia tubers have been used in some cultures for their potential anti-inflammatory properties, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest blooms in early morning when fully open but still firm; cut stems at 45-degree angle with sharp scissors, taking 12-18 inches of stem; remove lower foliage and place immediately in cool water; blooms last 7-10 days in a vase. Cut regularly to encourage continuous flowering.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Dahlias are native to Mexico and were first cultivated by the Aztecs, who valued tubers as a food source and used flowers in ceremonies.
- 🌱 The Carnation-flowered form is a relatively modern dahlia type, bred in the 20th century to resemble the ruffled texture of carnations while maintaining dahlia's size and vigor.
- 🌱 Dahlias are the national flower of Mexico and come in nearly every color except true blue; 'Sunset Boulevard' epitomizes the warm sunset palette the Aztecs admired.
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