Sources

PFAF (Plants for a Future) - Sandia Spirit — isEdible
General botanical knowledge - Cucurbitaceae family classification — plantFamily
General botanical knowledge - annual melon cultivation — lifespan

Sandia Spirit

Dahlia 'Sandia Spirit'

flower

Bees

Bumblebees Attracts butterflies

Butterflies

About

'Sandia Spirit' is a cultivar of dahlia (Dahlia, family Asteraceae), a tuberous tender perennial grown for its showy, long-blooming flowers from midsummer to first frost. Like all dahlias it thrives in full sun and rich, well-drained soil and is propagated from tubers or cuttings. Lift and store tubers over winter in cold climates.

Pests & beneficial insects

🐛 Prone to: Slugs, Aphids, Thrips, Caterpillars, Spider mites.

Attract Ground beetles, Hoverflies, Lacewings, Ladybirds, Parasitic wasps, Minute pirate bugs, Predatory mites to keep them in check — plant African MarigoldGood, AngelicaFair and AniseGood nearby.

🌼 Beneficial companion — draws Hoverflies, Ladybirds that help control Aphids, Thrips on neighbouring plants.

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Medium
Spacing

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Soil notes

Rich, fertile, well-drained soil kept evenly moist but never waterlogged; slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5–7.0). Feed with low-nitrogen fertiliser and stake taller types. Lift tubers after first frost or mulch heavily in mild winters.