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Bulb
Asteraceae
Dahlia cactus 'Stars Favorite' (Dahlia 'Star's Favorite')
Dahlia × pinnata
Dahlia cactus 'Stars Favourite' forms a strong, bushy, upright clump about 90 cm (35 in) tall. Its sturdy stems bear large, fully double flowers above dark green serrated foliage. The long, narrow, pointed, revolute florets are a velvety soft pink that lightens to an ivory white center. 'Stars Favourite' tubers bloom from summer until the first frost. Grow it in full sun in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, with early support, deep watering at the base, and moderate, potassium-rich nutrition. This selection is suitable for beds, large containers, and cutting gardens. Regularly remove faded flowers to prolong colorful production.
- Quantity
- 1 tuber
- Exposure
- Sun
- Life cycle
- Hardy perennial
- Hardiness
- Zone 10
Discover the plant
Common nameDahlia
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusDahlia
TypeBulb
Botanical nameDahlia × pinnata
Reproducible seedsYes
Cactus Dahlia ‘Stars Favourite’ (Dahlia ‘Star’s Favourite’) forms a strong, bushy, upright clump approximately 90 cm (35 in) tall. Its large, fully double cactus flowers feature long, narrow, pointed florets that are recurved for much of their length. Their soft pink, velvety texture lightens towards an ivory white center, creating a gentle yet highly graphic star. The dark green, serrated foliage supports blooming from summer until the first frost. A Van Noort No1 tuber is suitable for sunny beds, large stable containers, and cut flower gardens seeking a spectacular form in an easy-to-match palette.
Plant the tuber in spring, after the last frost, when the soil has warmed and dried out. Lay it 10 cm (4 in) deep, bud facing upwards, in fertile, humus-rich, moist, and freely draining soil. Leave approximately 50 cm (20 in) around the crown and install a sturdy support before the stems lengthen. Water sparingly before sprouting, then deeply at the base when the surface begins to dry. Pinch the young shoot when it is 20 to 30 cm (12 in) tall to encourage multiple branches. Incorporate mature compost before planting and then use a moderate fertilizer, richer in potassium as buds form. Avoid standing water, excess nitrogen, and repeated watering on flower heads.
Place Stars Favourite in the center of a border where its pink and ivory flowers can interact with blue salvias, white gauras, chocolate cosmos, and soft grasses. Harvest stems when flowers are almost open and regularly remove faded flower heads to prolong blooming. The very double flowers offer little access to pollen; add nearby single flowers for beneficial insects. Monitor for slugs, aphids, earwigs, and spider mites, and maintain generous air circulation. In Quebec, after the first frost, lift the tuber, let its surface dry, label it, and store it in a cool, dry, dark, and frost-free place until the following spring.
Planting guide
Plant well.Grow beautifully.
Planting depth
10 cm (4 in)
Best planting time
Spring, when the ground is warm
Propagation
Division of tubers each bearing a viable bud
Growing method
After the last frost, loosen a warm, sunny area to a depth of about 12 in (30 cm), then incorporate mature compost. Place the tuber horizontally 4 in (10 cm) deep, bud side up, and leave 20 in (50 cm) around the future crown. Cover without compacting. Water very sparingly before emergence, unless the soil becomes distinctly dry. When the shoot reaches 8 to 12 in (20 to 30 cm), pinch it above a pair of leaves to encourage multiple branches. Immediately install a sturdy stake, then tie the stems with soft ties as they lengthen. During growth, water deeply at the base when the surface dries and fertilize moderately, prioritizing potassium as buds appear. Harvest flowers that are almost open or remove faded flower heads to stimulate replacement. After the first frost, cut the stems, carefully lift the tuber, let its surface dry, and store it in a cool, dry, dark, frost-free place until spring. During warm periods, add a light organic mulch without covering the crown. Check ties after each storm and loosen them before they mark the stems. Avoid pesticides on flower heads and keep a few simple flowers nearby for beneficial insects.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
5 °C (41 °F)
Care level
Moderate
Watering
Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist without overwatering. Reduce watering before autumn tuber lifting. Water sparingly before emergence, then deeply at the base when the surface begins to dry. Avoid standing water, excess nitrogen, and repeated watering on flower heads. In Quebec, after the first frost, lift the tuber, let its surface dry, label it, and store it in a cool, dry, dark, and frost-free place until the following spring.
Soil type
Opt for humus-rich soil that retains moisture while allowing excess water to drain. Check drainage after rain: water should be able to leave the root zone. Work the soil when it is dry to avoid compacting it. Adapt amendments to its actual texture. In containers, use appropriate potting soil and a pot with drainage holes. Keep these openings clear and avoid any accumulation of water in the saucer.
Fertilization
Incorporate mature compost before planting to improve soil structure and nutrient content. Once shoots are established, use a balanced fertilizer at a low dose, then switch to a formula richer in potassium as soon as buds appear. Repeat according to package directions, but do not fertilize dry soil. Avoid excess nitrogen, which produces abundant foliage and softer stems at the expense of flowers.
Seasonal care
In spring, check the firmness of the stored tuber, remove only actively rotten tissues, and wait until all risk of frost has passed. Loosen the soil, incorporate compost, plant 10 cm (4 in) deep, and immediately install a support. Water lightly before emergence. When the shoot reaches 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in), pinch it above a pair of leaves to encourage multiple branches. In summer, tie the stems with soft ties, water deeply at the base when the surface dries, and fertilize moderately with more potassium at bud formation. Remove faded flower heads or harvest nearly open flowers early in the morning. Watch for slugs, aphids, earwigs, spider mites, and signs of foliar disease. Maintain good air circulation and avoid wetting the foliage in the evening. After thunderstorms, check ties and straighten branches before they break. In autumn, let the first frost blacken the foliage, then cut the stems, carefully lift the tuber, and let its surface dry. Label it Star's Favourite and store it in a cool, dry, dark, and frost-free place. Inspect it monthly until the next planting. During heat waves, add a light mulch without covering the crown and increase the frequency of moisture checks. Promptly remove any diseased foliage, disinfect tools between plants, and do not compost severely affected tissues. Always keep a legible label with the cultivar name.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
Container of 40 to 50 L, deep and very stable
Container growing requires you to provide sufficient volume for the roots and the plant's final height. Choose a stable pot with drainage holes and a substrate suitable for planting. Leave enough space to respect the recommended depth and spacing, rather than crowding plants to immediately fill the pot. Place the container in the indicated exposure and regularly check the moisture, especially in hot or windy weather. A pot is more exposed to temperature variations than planting in the ground. Therefore, plan for a wintering location compatible with the plant's needs and your region's climate from the outset. Plant in spring when all risk of frost has passed and the soil is sufficiently warm. Choose a sunny location, sheltered from strong winds, in fertile and well-drained soil. Arrange the tuberous roots with their crown and buds facing upwards, without breaking the fragile attachments. Install a stake at planting if support will be necessary, to avoid injuring the roots later. Water sparingly at the start, then adapt the watering to the foliage growth. Constantly saturated soil around the tubers is to be avoided, especially before the appearance of the first shoots. Plan to bring the storage organs indoors, away from frost, for the Quebec winter.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
100 cm (40 in)
Width / spread
40 cm (16 in.)
Flower color
Velvety soft pink with an ivory white center
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Lapsed
Growth rate
Quick
Bloom period
The cactus-type flowers feature long, bright pink, tapered petals with lighter tips, creating a luminous star-like effect. They bloom continuously until the first frosts with regular maintenance. Its large, fully double cactus flowers have long, narrow, pointed, and revolute florets for most of their length. The dark green serrated foliage supports the bloom from summer until the first frost. Harvest stems when flowers are almost open and regularly remove spent flower heads to prolong flowering.
Harvest
July to October. Pick the flowers when they are fully open to ensure the best vase life.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
To accompany Dahlia cactus ‘Stars Favourite’, you can consider cosmos, zinnias, or ornamental sages. Choose neighboring varieties based on their height, flowering period, and the colors you wish to combine. Above all, make sure their exposure and water needs are suitable for the same location. Leave enough space so that leaves do not hide young shoots and so you can easily access each plant for maintenance. These combinations are meant to create the garden's aesthetic; they do not guarantee protection against pests or diseases. Adjust the layout after observing one growing season.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
When to plant Dahlia Stars Favourite?
Plant the tuber after the last frost, typically from May to early June in Quebec, once the soil has warmed up and is well-drained. Lay it horizontally 10 cm (4 in) deep, with the bud facing upwards, in fertile, humus-rich, and well-drained soil. Leave approximately 50 cm (20 in) around the crown and immediately install a support. In a cold region, you can start it in a pot four to six weeks earlier, then gradually acclimate the shoot before planting it out. Water very sparingly before emergence to prevent rot, then increase watering once the roots and stems become active. Choose full sun to encourage strong stems and abundant flowering.
How big does Stars Favourite get?
Star's Favorite can produce large flower heads when the plant receives full sun, fertile soil, deep watering, and balanced nutrition. To concentrate energy into one flower, keep the terminal bud on a stem and gently remove the side buds. Install a sturdy stake before growth begins and loosely tie the stem to it. This technique reduces the total number of flowers; therefore, allow several other stems to branch normally if you also want to harvest bouquets throughout the season. Protect large flower heads from strong winds and prolonged rain. Check each tie after summer thunderstorms.
What colors do its flowers wear?
Install a sturdy stake at planting to avoid damaging the roots later. Tie the stems with soft ties as they grow. Pinch back young shoots to 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in) to encourage more branching. Water deeply at the base when the surface dries, then allow excess water to drain. Incorporate mature compost initially and then use a moderate fertilizer, richer in potassium, as buds form. Avoid excess nitrogen, which produces tender stems and abundant foliage. Regularly remove faded flowers so that energy is directed to the next buds until frost.
Can Stars Favourite be grown in a pot?
Yes. Choose a stable container of 40 to 50 L, deep, well-drained, and filled with rich but aerated soil. Plant a single tuber 10 cm (4 in) deep and insert the support before the roots develop. Place the pot in full sun, protected from gusts of wind. Water sparingly before sprouting, then abundantly when the top layer dries, without leaving water in the saucer. Apply moderate liquid fertilization, richer in potassium as soon as buds appear. Turn the container weekly, pinch off young shoots, and remove faded flowers to maintain a balanced shape. Before frost, lift the tuber or move the pot indoors for frost-free storage.
How to overwinter the tuber in Canada?
After the first frost blackens the foliage, cut back the stems, leaving a short stub. Lift the tuber with a fork, working far enough away not to damage it. Gently remove excess soil, allow the surface to dry in a ventilated area, and clearly label it Star's Favorite. Store it in a cool, dark, dry, and frost-free place, in a slightly insulating material that limits desiccation without retaining water. Inspect it monthly. Only remove parts showing active rot and increase ventilation if condensation appears. Wait until after the last spring frost and for the soil to warm up before replanting.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Supporting wildlife
Very double flowers hide the disc and offer little accessible pollen. Add alyssum, sage, verbena, or single cosmos near Star's Favourite to support bees, hoverflies, and butterflies throughout the season. Avoid pesticides on the flower heads and maintain a small source of clean water nearby.
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