What Pompon Dahlias lack in size they make up for in numbers. At only 2 inches across these balls of fire bloom by the hundreds in just about every color of the rainbow. Some flowers are even multicolor. For example, ‘Hallmark’ Pompon Dahlias have varying shades of pink and lavender.
Locations for Planting
Pompon Dahlias look great in flowerbeds or along borders in your yard. Because they provide blooms all summer long plant them in areas of high
visibility such as the entryway to your home.
Pompon Dahlias are also great at framing an area in your yard. Plant them along a deck or patio. Their brilliant colors will really brighten up a drab back yard area.
Pompon Dahlias are also great to plant in perennial gardens. When other flowers are fading in the late summer these dots of color are still going strong. In fact, Pompon Dahlias will bloom right up until the first frost.
Planting Buddies
Choosing plants with brilliant colors is the best choice when set against a group of Pompon Dahlias. Pastel flowers will tend to fade away and be overpowered by the Dahlias. Try planting golden ‘Pop Willo’ Dahlias with bright red ‘Lucifer’ Montbretia bulbs.
Or place a row of ‘William John Newberry’ Pompons along the back of a flowerbed. Their scarlet color will provide a great backdrop for just about any perennial.
For a stunning and unusual garden plant ‘Small World’ snow white Pompons with some Gladioli, Petunias, or Verbena also in white. You will have a winter wonderland in the middle of the summer.
Purchasing and Planting
When purchasing Pompon Dahlias look for large divisions with several tuber clusters. Make sure the tubers are firm and plum. Do not purchase single tubers or you might not have flowers the first year. Avoid tubers that are soft or small.
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Prepare your soil a few weeks before planting. Mix in compost to about 10 inches. Tubers should be planted about 1 week after the final frost. Dig a hole about 5 inches deep and space the tubers a few feet apart. Make sure when your plant your Dahlias the eyes are pointing up.
Cover your tubers with soil and water well. If there is a possibility of a late frost add a few inches of mulch on top of your plantings. As the Dahlias grow you might want to stake them. It is ok to fertilize your plants slightly until mid to late summer. Deadhead you flowers regularly to promote new blooms.
When the first frost causes the Pompon’s foliage to shrivel remove the dead debris. Dig up the tubers and store them upside down in a dark cool and dry place over the winter. Make sure your storage area does not get below 45 degrees F.
If you wish divide your tubers in the spring. Cut them apart with a knife before planting. Make sure each division has a growing eye.
Growing Tips
Pompon Dahlias do prefer full sun but will tolerate some shade later in the afternoon. The soil must have plenty of compost. Pompon Dahlias also like a well-drained flowerbed.
To increase flowering throughout the summer and fall pinch off the first flower bud that forms on the central stem of the plant. This will encourage offshoots to grow and flower.
Watch out for aphids as they love these Dahlias. Spray your Pompons with insecticidal soap to get rid of these pests. Or introduce some beneficial insectsto your garden to keep the baddies at bay. Caterpillars are another insect that likes to feed on Pompon Dahlia leaves. Try rubbing some petroleum jelly on the top 10 inches of the stems to prevent them from destroying the flowers and leaves.
Quick Tips
Pompon Dahlias are a fast growing summer bloom. They do well in all zones in full sun and well-drained soil. Pompons are a very hardy annual that will bloom right up until first frost. They can spread up to 4 feet wide and get 4 feet tall. These flowers are excellent for cutting and will brighten up any room in your home.
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