Polka Dahlia
Description
Polka is a cheerful, high-impact bloomer that lights up the garden with crisp, bicolor tones that read bright and festive in bouquets. Its well-formed, fully double flowers open on sturdy stems and keep coming all season, making it an easy pick for cutting gardens and sunny borders where you want reliable color and plenty of blooms.
Specifications
| Form | AN |
|---|---|
| Color | LB |
| Bloom size | 5" |
| Plant height | 4 ft |
| Hybridizer | N J van Oosten |
| Year introduced | 1958 |
| Country of origin | Netherlands |
How to grow Polka
Polka is a AN with 4 ft tall with 5-inch blooms. Plant tubers 12–18 inches apart in full sun after the last frost. Pinch when plants reach 12 inches tall to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.
Harvest & vase life
AN-form dahlias like Polka harvest dahlias when blooms are three-quarters to fully open. With clean cuts and fresh water, most varieties last 4–7 days in the vase.
Similar dahlia varieties
- Bloomquist Ginnie — AN, L
- Bloomquist Golden — AN, LB
- Mambo — AN, DB
- Platinum Blonde — AN, W
- Sandia Brocade — AN, OR
- Sandia Summertime — AN, W
Frequently asked questions
How tall does Polka grow?
Polka grows to about 4 ft.
What color is Polka?
LB — ADS color classification for Polka.
Who hybridized Polka?
N J van Oosten, introduced in 1958.
Is Polka good for cut flowers?
Yes. Dahlias are among the most popular cut flowers for home and market growers. Expect 4–7-day vase life with proper hydration.