How to Grow On Parade
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On Parade
Dahlia × hybrida 'On Parade'
flowerOn Parade is a stunning decorative dahlia cultivar known for its vibrant bi-color blooms featuring deep burgundy petals with striking yellow tips. This medium-sized dahlia produces abundant flowers throughout the growing season and is popular for both garden displays and cut flower arrangements. It typically grows to 3-4 feet tall and rewards gardeners with prolific, long-stemmed blooms ideal for bouquets.
When should you plant On Parade in your zone?
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Example On Parade timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant On Parade
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 On Parade blooms
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact On Parade dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 6-11; grows as an annual in cooler climates or dig tubers to store over winter
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Get my On Parade timeline →Growth Stages
Tuber Sprouting
2-3 weeksDormant tubers begin sending up shoots after soil warms to 60°F+. Initial growth appears as small red or green shoots emerging from the tuber.
Plant tubers after last frost date. Keep soil warm and moist but not soggy. Avoid overwatering which causes rot. Monitor for slugs attacking new shoots.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant rapidly develops stems, foliage, and a strong branching structure. Leaves are deeply lobed and dark green. Plant reaches 2-3 feet in height.
Stake or support tall varieties early. Pinch center stem when 12 inches tall to encourage bushier growth. Begin fertilizing with balanced or slightly low-nitrogen fertilizer every 2 weeks. Remove lower foliage to improve air circulation.
Budding & Early Bloom
3-4 weeksTerminal flower buds form at stem tips; first blooms appear as characteristic bi-color burgundy and yellow decorative flowers. Initial flowers may be smaller than peak production.
Continue staking as needed. Remove side buds if larger exhibition blooms are desired, or leave them for more abundant smaller flowers. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Maintain consistent watering and fertilize every 10-14 days.
Peak Blooming
6-10 weeksPlant produces maximum number of large, fully-formed bi-color flowers with deep burgundy-red petals and bright yellow edges. Blooms are ideal for cutting.
Cut flowers early in the morning for best vase life (7-10 days). Deadhead regularly to maintain bloom production. Continue fertilizing weekly. Check for pests and diseases; ensure good air circulation. Water deeply during heat.
Senescence & Tuber Maturation
4-6 weeksAs temperatures drop in fall, blooming slows. Foliage yellows and stems begin to harden. Tubers underground develop storage carbohydrates and begin dormancy.
Reduce watering frequency. Stop fertilizing in September. Allow foliage to remain until first hard frost. After frost blackens foliage, cut stems back to 4-6 inches, carefully dig tubers, rinse, dry, and store in cool (40-50°F), dark location with high humidity for winter dormancy in zones below 6.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick early morning; use row covers before peak season; apply neem oil or spinosad; beneficial nematodes in soil
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; store tubers in dry conditions; remove affected tubers; disinfect tools between plants
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Increase humidity with misting; spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe; ensure good air circulation
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Remove affected flowers; use sticky blue traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil
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Hand-pick at night; copper barriers; beer traps; encourage predatory beetles; remove leaf litter mulch
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur or baking soda spray at first signs; remove affected leaves
Uses
Edible Decorative Garnish
CulinaryDahlia petals are edible with a slightly sweet, peppery flavor. They can be used fresh to garnish salads, cocktails, and desserts for visual impact, though On Parade's deep colors work best for dramatic presentation. [source]
Premium Cut Flowers
HouseholdOn Parade's long stems, large bi-color blooms, and 7-10 day vase life make it ideal for fresh floral arrangements, wedding bouquets, and professional florist use. The striking burgundy and yellow coloring adds drama to any arrangement. [source]
Dried Flower Arrangements
CraftDahlia blooms can be dried for use in dried arrangements and crafts. Hang dry in bundles in a dark, well-ventilated location for 2-3 weeks to preserve color and structure for long-term decorative use. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeDahlias are excellent nectar sources for honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies, and other pollinators. On Parade's abundant blooms provide valuable food resources throughout the growing season. [source]
Traditional Folk Medicine
MedicinalIn traditional medicine systems, dahlia tubers and roots have been used in herbal preparations, though modern scientific evidence is limited. Some cultures use dahlia root preparations for digestive support. [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 blooms early in the morning when fully hydrated, ideally just after dew dries. Use a sharp knife and cut at a 45-degree angle. Remove lower foliage from cut stems. Place immediately in cool water with flower preservative for 7-10 day vase life. Deadhead spent blooms at the base of the stem to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season. For tuber storage, dig after first hard frost, cure in cool, dry location for 1-2 weeks, then store at 40-50°F in peat moss or sand.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 On Parade dahlias produce hundreds of blooms per plant over a season, with peak production occurring during late summer and early fall.
- 🌱 Dahlia tubers can be divided in spring to create multiple plants; a single tuber of On Parade can eventually become a large producing clump.
- 🌱 The bi-color 'On Parade' cultivar is particularly prized by florists and wedding planners for its striking contrast between deep burgundy and bright yellow—a color combination that photographs exceptionally well and represents energy and celebration.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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