How to Grow The President
Wikimedia Commons
The President
Dahlia × hybrida 'The President'
flowerThe President is a stunning decorative dahlia cultivar known for its deep burgundy to dark red petals and impressive large blooms, typically 6-8 inches in diameter. This perennial flower is a favorite among cut flower enthusiasts and gardeners seeking dramatic color impact in borders and arrangements. It produces abundant flowers from mid-summer through fall frost.
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Example The President timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant The President
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 The President blooms
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact The President dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10; treat as annual in zones 3-6 or dig tubers for winter storage
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Tuber Dormancy & Sprouting
3-4 weeksTubers are dormant and stored in cool conditions until spring. When warmed and planted, they develop sprouts from the eye.
Store tubers at 45-50°F over winter in a frost-free location. Plant after last frost when soil is warm (60°F+).
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksStems and foliage emerge and grow rapidly. Plant develops a bushy shape with multiple stems and dark green, deeply lobed leaves.
Provide sturdy support stakes early. Pinch off the top growing tip at 12-18 inches to encourage branching and more blooms. Water regularly and fertilize every 3-4 weeks with balanced fertilizer.
Bud Formation
2-3 weeksTerminal and axillary buds appear at branch tips. Round, green flower buds become visible and gradually enlarge.
Deadhead side buds if you want larger showstopper blooms. Continue watering and apply low-nitrogen fertilizer to encourage flowering. Monitor for pests and diseases.
Flowering
10-14 weeks until frostLarge, deep burgundy-red decorative blooms open fully, displaying dense, layered petals. Flowers can reach 6-8 inches across. Blooms appear continuously in succession.
Deadhead spent flowers promptly to encourage continuous blooming. Cut flowers for arrangements in early morning. Continue regular watering and feeding with phosphorus-rich fertilizer.
Dormancy & Tuber Maturation
4-6 monthsWith first frost, foliage blackens and dies back. Underground, tubers develop protective skin and accumulate nutrients for next season.
After light frost, cut stems back to 4-6 inches. Dig tubers carefully, rinse gently, allow to dry 1-2 weeks, then store in cool, dry location. In warm zones, may leave in ground with mulch protection.
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe. Keep humidity moderate and increase air circulation.
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Deadhead affected flowers promptly. Use yellow sticky traps; apply neem oil or spinosad as needed.
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Hand-pick in early morning; use beetle traps away from plants. Apply spinosad or pyrethrin if population is heavy.
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Spray with water or insecticidal soap. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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and
Remove debris; use copper barriers or beer traps. Hand-pick at night. Apply diatomaceous earth.
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryDahlia petals are edible with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and can be used as garnish on salads, desserts, and cocktails. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
HouseholdThe President's large, dramatic burgundy blooms are exceptional for floral arrangements, bouquets, and wedding centerpieces, with a long vase life of 7-10 days. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeDahlias provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects during their long blooming season. [source]
Dried Flowers
CraftDahlia blooms can be dried for use in dried flower arrangements, pressed flower crafts, and long-lasting decorative displays. [source]
Traditional Medicine
MedicinalDahlias have been used in traditional medicine for their potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant 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 stems are fully hydrated. Choose blooms that are just fully open for longest vase life (7-10 days). Cut with a sharp knife at an angle, removing lower leaves. Split woody stem ends. Change water every 2-3 days and remove any submerged leaves to prevent bacterial growth.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The President dahlia is named after former U.S. Presidents and represents one of the largest-flowered decorative dahlia varieties.
- 🌱 Dahlia tubers can be propagated by dividing them at the crown in spring, where each section with an eye will produce a new plant.
- 🌱 The President's deep burgundy color was achieved through selective breeding and hybridization over decades, representing modern dahlia development.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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