Dahlia 'Little Dorrit'

Also known as: Dahlia hybrids 'Little Dorrit'

Dahlia 'Little Dorrit' is a purplish-red dahlia cultivar. It is one of the smaller dahlias, only growing to about 70 cm tall. The flower head is also tiny, only about 5 cm in diameter, which is as tiny as a dahlia can get. 'Little Dorrit' is a reference to the famous novel of the same name by Charles Dickens, but the name may also refer to how tiny this dahlia is.

Scientific classification

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

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Toxic to Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Deciduous

Leaf type

15 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Care Guide for Dahlia 'Little Dorrit'

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

15 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Dahlia 'Little Dorrit' requires ample water due to its large leaves but is susceptible to root rot. Watering should be immediate during droughts and mindful of drainage in rainy conditions. Seedlings need less water, while mature plants thrive with increased hydration, preferably watered around sunrise or sunset.

Fertilize: To promote healthy growth, apply a nitrogen-rich liquid fertilizer to dahlia 'Little Dorrit' every 10-15 days during early development, switching to phosphate-potassium later. Once flower buds emerge, fertilize every 7-10 days, stopping when buds show color. Monitor leaves for signs of deficiency or excess.

Pruning: To care for dahlia 'Little Dorrit', prune in early to late spring, removing damaged stems. Pinch young shoots for bushier growth. Regular deadheading promotes flowering, but avoid heavy pruning during peak bloom. Proper pruning enhances air circulation, reduces disease risk, and stimulates healthy new growth.

Propagation: Dahlia 'Little Dorrit' can be propagated through root division, cutting, or sowing. Root division occurs in early spring at 15℃, yielding five seedlings from one tuber. Cutting is preferred for faster rooting; maintain 70%-75% humidity and temperatures above 25℃ for optimal survival. Sowing leads to blooms in 1-2 years.

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