How to Grow and Care for Karma Lagoon Dahlia

The Karma Lagoon dahlia is a distinctive flowering plant from the “Karma” series, bred for strong stems and a long vase life. The blooms are a vibrant fuchsia-pink or deep violet, reaching four to six inches in diameter. These flowers have a “waterlily” form with broad, flat-tipped petals that create a full, layered look. This dahlia produces an abundance of flowers from mid-summer until the first frost.

Planting Karma Lagoon Dahlias

Wait to plant tubers until all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. In most regions, this corresponds to late May or early June. A location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight is ideal for promoting vigorous growth and vibrant flower colors.

Dahlias require well-draining, fertile soil to avoid tuber rot. If your garden has heavy clay or poor drainage, consider planting in slightly raised beds. Dig a hole four to six inches deep and place the tuber horizontally with the “eye” pointing upwards. Tubers should be spaced 12 to 18 inches apart to give each plant room to mature.

Seasonal Care and Maintenance

Once established, dahlias require consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. A deep watering two to three times per week is sufficient but may need adjustment for rainfall and extreme heat. Watering at the base of the plant keeps foliage dry, which reduces the risk of fungal diseases. Avoid overwatering newly planted tubers before they sprout to prevent rot.

To encourage abundant blooms, use a fertilizer with a low nitrogen content, like a 5-10-10 ratio. The first application can be done after the plant has sprouted. Subsequent feedings should occur every three to four weeks throughout the growing season to support continuous flower production.

The stems can become heavy with large blooms and susceptible to breaking in wind or rain. Place a stake next to the plant when it reaches about one foot in height. As the dahlia grows taller, loosely tie the main stalk to the stake at various intervals to keep it upright.

A technique called “pinching” leads to a fuller, bushier plant with more flowering stems. When the dahlia is between 12 and 18 inches tall, pinch or snip off the central growing tip. This action redirects the plant’s energy to the side shoots, encouraging them to develop and produce more blooms.

Harvesting and Overwintering

To maximize vase life, cut flowers in the cool of the morning. Select blooms that are nearly or fully open, as dahlia buds do not open after being cut. Use sharp snips to cut a long stem and immediately place the cuttings into a bucket of fresh water. Karma Lagoon flowers can last 7 to 12 days in a vase.

In climates where winter temperatures drop below freezing (zones 3-7), tubers must be dug up and stored. After the first hard frost has blackened the foliage, cut the stalks down to a few inches above the ground. Carefully lift the tuber clump from the soil and allow it to air dry for several days in a sheltered location.

Once dry, gently brush off any excess soil. Store the tuber clumps in a cool, dark, and frost-free location like a basement or garage, where temperatures remain between 45-50°F. Place them in a box with a medium like peat moss or sand to prevent shriveling. When splitting larger clumps, ensure each tuber division has a piece of the original crown and at least one “eye.”