Dahlia “Apricot Desire”

Oh, you guys! I just have to gush a little more about my absolute favorite dahlia variety, the 'Apricot Desire'. If you're looking to add a touch of elegance and warmth to your garden, seriously, this one is a must-have! Last year, it was truly the star of my flower patch, living up to its waterlily dahlia name with those incredibly delicate, overlapping petals. The color is just divine – a blend of soft peach and subtle orange hues that shimmer beautifully in the sunlight. You can see how vibrant those 'Apricot Desire' waterlily dahlias look with their full blooms and even the little dahlia buds promising more beauty to come. It’s not just beautiful; it was one of the most prolific bloomers I had, providing endless cut flowers for my home and to share with friends. For anyone considering growing waterlily dahlias like 'Apricot Desire', I wanted to share a few tips from my own experience that helped mine thrive. First off, dahlias are sun-lovers, so a spot with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunshine is ideal. Good drainage is also super important; they don't like wet feet! I usually amend my soil with some compost before planting to give them a good start. When it comes to planting, I typically wait until all danger of frost has passed in late spring. I plant the tubers about 4-6 inches deep, making sure the 'eye' (the little bump where the stem sprouts) is facing upwards. Watering is crucial, especially during dry spells. Once they start growing, they are quite thirsty plants, so I try to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. And don't forget to feed them! I use a balanced fertilizer every few weeks once they're established, which really encourages those abundant 'Apricot Desire' blooms. One of my personal secrets for continuous flowering is consistent deadheading. As soon as a flower starts to fade, I snip it off right above a leaf node. This tells the plant to put its energy into producing more flowers instead of seeds. Sometimes, especially with these larger, more prolific varieties, they can get a bit top-heavy. I found that staking my 'Apricot Desire' dahlias early on prevented them from flopping over, especially after a heavy rain or strong wind. Just a simple bamboo stake or a tomato cage works wonders. Pests can occasionally be an issue, but a quick check every morning helps me catch any problems early. A gentle spray of insecticidal soap usually does the trick for aphids or spider mites. Seeing those soft peach and orange petals unfurl each morning truly brings me so much joy. If you're looking for a dahlia that combines exquisite beauty with a generous blooming habit, the 'Apricot Desire' waterlily dahlia is absolutely the way to go. I’m already planning my dahlia patch for next year, and you can bet 'Apricot Desire' will have a prime spot again. It’s such a rewarding flower to grow, and I highly recommend it for any avid gardener!