La Luna Dahlia Bulbs

Light Needs

Part Sun to Full Sun

(5+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

3-4 Feet

Mature Spread

1.5-2 Feet

Growing Zones

8 to 10

La Luna Dahlia Bulbs open enormous creamy yellow flowers that look lit from within during the strongest part of summer. 'La Luna' is an informal decorative dahlia with fully double blooms that can reach 10 inches across on sturdy 36- to 48-inch stems. The pale yellow petals are brushed with deeper yellow streaking, giving the flowers depth without looking loud. Our favorite use is in a cutting row because one stem can anchor a whole vase.

This late-season dahlia starts flowering in midsummer and keeps going until frost if old blooms are removed. Its broad flowers make a strong focal point in garden beds, especially near purple, orange, white, or bronze plantings. The upright growth is best suited to borders and cutting gardens rather than small pots, since the flowers are large and the stems benefit from space. Deer usually leave dahlias alone, though young shoots should still be watched in early growth.

La Luna Dahlia Bulbs Care

Plant La Luna Dahlia Bulbs in full sun, choosing a site with at least 6 hours of direct light for the largest flowers. Grow them in fertile, well-drained soil amended with compost, and avoid low spots that stay wet after rain. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH of about 6.2 to 7.0 is ideal.

Water once after planting, and start a regular schedule once shoots emerge. Once plants are actively growing, soak the root zone deeply when the top few inches of soil dry, especially as buds begin to size up. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer during the growing season so the plant puts energy into flowers rather than excessive leaves. Mulch after the stems emerge to keep moisture steadier and reduce soil splash on the foliage.

Pinch the main shoot when the plant reaches 10 to 12 inches tall to encourage branching. Remove spent flowers by cutting back to a leaf node, and disbud side buds when you want fewer but larger blooms for arrangements. In zones 3 to 7, lift tubers after frost blackens the foliage, let them dry for several days, and store them in a cool frost-free place.

La Luna Dahlia Bulbs Spacing

Space La Luna Dahlia Bulbs 18 to 24 inches apart in beds, with room to walk between plants for cutting. Plant tubers 3 to 6 inches deep with the eye facing upward and place a stake at planting time so roots are not disturbed later. For containers, choose a large heavy pot of at least 18 to 20 inches wide, but landscape planting gives this large-flowered dahlia the best proportion and support.

Companion Planting

In sunny borders, pair La Luna Dahlia Bulbs with salvia, agastache, or Russian sage for upright purple-blue flowers that contrast well with the soft yellow blooms. Zinnias and verbena make strong cutting-garden companions because they enjoy similar sun and drainage while filling lower space around the dahlia stems. For a fuller landscape planting, add little bluestem nearby to support the late-summer look with fine foliage and warm seasonal texture.

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