Dahlia ‘XXL Tabasco’: A Compact Explosion of Color for Summer Gardens
The vibrant Dahlia ‘XXL Tabasco’ lights up gardens with fiery tones of orange, red, and yellow, offering months of brilliant blooms in a tidy, mounding form. Bred by Dümmen Orange as part of their renowned XXL series, this variety showcases the impressive flower size and garden performance that have made the series popular worldwide. Introduced to great acclaim and recognized as an “exceptional” garden plant in 2018, ‘XXL Tabasco’ brings a lively burst of energy to both containers and flower beds.
Dahlia is a genus belonging to the family Asteraceae, which includes many of the world’s best-loved ornamentals such as sunflowers and Zinnias. Native to Mexico and Central America, Dahlias have been cultivated into thousands of hybrids, each offering unique combinations of size, form, and color. ‘XXL Tabasco’ stands out within this diverse family for its compact stature paired with generously sized blooms, making it an excellent choice for home gardeners with limited space.
A Vivid Display of Color
Dahlia ‘XXL Tabasco’ produces fully double flowers that span up to 5 inches (12.7 cm) across. The petals unfurl in a rich reddish-orange hue, transitioning to bright yellow towards the flower’s center, giving the bloom a fiery, tricolored appearance. The plant remains compact and mounded, growing 16 to 22 inches tall (40 to 56 cm) with a spread of 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 cm).
This controlled growth habit makes it particularly well-suited for containers, patio pots, and front-of-border plantings. In combination with its vivid coloration, ‘XXL Tabasco’ becomes a standout element in seasonal displays, particularly when paired with autumnal accents like pumpkins and gourds.
Flowering Season of Dahlia ‘XXL Tabasco’
‘XXL Tabasco’ delights gardeners with an extended flowering season, beginning in late spring or early summer and continuing until the arrival of frost. In warm climates, flowering often starts as early as May and persists into October or November, offering a long window of vibrant color when many other plants have begun to fade.
How to Grow Dahlia ‘XXL Tabasco’
Light
Dahlia ‘XXL Tabasco’ thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering. In southern gardens, a touch of late afternoon shade may help the plant handle intense summer heat without sacrificing bloom quality.
Soil
Well-drained, fertile soil is essential for healthy growth. Amend heavy clay with compost, coarse sand, or grit to improve drainage. Dahlias prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH levels, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
Watering
Water deeply and regularly, particularly during hot, dry periods. Allow the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil to dry between waterings to prevent rot. Consistent moisture supports continuous blooming and healthy foliage, but overwatering can damage tubers.
Fertilizing
Feed every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer or apply a slow-release fertilizer at planting. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas, which promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
Deadheading
Remove spent blooms promptly to encourage continuous flowering. Frequent deadheading redirects the plant’s energy into producing new buds rather than seed development.
Staking
While compact, ‘XXL Tabasco’ blooms are large and may cause stems to bend, especially in windy conditions or containers. Light staking helps keep the stems upright and prevents breakage.
Propagation of Dahlia ‘XXL Tabasco’
Dahlias are typically propagated by dividing tubers or taking cuttings.
For home gardeners, tuber division in early spring is the most common method. Each division should have at least one visible eye to ensure it will sprout. While ‘XXL Tabasco’ is protected under PVP (Plant Variety Protection US PVP202300092), propagation for resale requires licensing, but home gardeners may divide for personal use.
Pests and Diseases
Dahlia ‘XXL Tabasco’ may occasionally attract pests such as:
- Aphids
- Thrips
- Spider mites
- Caterpillars
Fungal issues like powdery mildew or botrytis can also occur if air circulation is poor or foliage stays wet. Inspect plants regularly, maintain good spacing, and apply treatments only if necessary.
Fortunately, dahlias are generally deer-resistant, which makes ‘XXL Tabasco’ a good choice in areas with browsing wildlife.
Overwintering Dahlia ‘XXL Tabasco’
In USDA zones 8 to 10, where winter temperatures remain mild, ‘XXL Tabasco’ can be left in the ground year-round with minimal protection. However, in colder regions, dahlias must be treated as tender perennials or annuals.
Before the first frost, cut the plant back and gently dig up the tubers. Allow them to dry, then store in a cool, dark, dry location (such as a basement or garage) until spring planting. Do not refrigerate, as tubers are sensitive to cold storage.
Design Uses for Dahlia ‘XXL Tabasco’
Dahlia ‘XXL Tabasco’ is highly versatile in garden design. Its mounded habit and bold color make it perfect for:
- Containers and hanging baskets
- Border plantings
- Mass plantings for dramatic color
- Cut flower arrangements
- Specimen plants in mixed beds
Cut flowers last well in arrangements and offer continued enjoyment indoors. Regular harvesting of blooms also stimulates further flower production outdoors.
Summary
Dahlia ‘XXL Tabasco’ delivers fiery charm in a compact package. With its bright red-orange petals tipped in golden yellow, long flowering season, and easy care requirements, it offers a spectacular display from late spring through fall. Whether grown in containers, beds, or borders, this compact dahlia rewards gardeners with nonstop color and minimal fuss.
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