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Dormant tuber
Asteraceae
Colour-changing white and purple Ball dahlia
‘Genova’ Ball Dahlia (Dahlia ‘Genova’)
Product code : VAN-327-422-25
Genova produces rounded double flowers opening white with purple tips and gradually becoming more purple. Its No1 tuber forms an upright clump approximately 80 cm tall and 50 cm wide with dark stems and dark green foliage. Plant it 10 cm deep in full sun and fertile, humus-rich, fresh drained soil. Discreet support, deep watering at the base, and removal of faded flowers sustain blooming from midsummer until frost. In Canada, lift the tuber after the first frost and store it somewhere cool, dry, and frost-free through winter. Regular cutting encourages more rounded purple flowers and keeps the compact supported clump productive through late summer.
- Quantity
- 1 No1 tuber
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Life cycle
- Annual under Quebec conditions
- Hardiness
- Zone 8; lift the tuber in colder regions
Discover the plant
Common nameGenova Ball dahlia
FamilyAsteraceae
GenusDahlia
SpeciesGarden hybrid of Dinnerplate type
CultivarGenova
TypeDormant tuber
Botanical nameDahlia
Reproducible seedsYes
‘Genova’ Ball Dahlia (Dahlia ‘Genova’) ‘Genova’ produces compact fully double Ball flowers built from orderly rows of inrolled petals. Young blooms open white with purple tips, then the proportion of purple gradually increases as they mature. This evolution displays several shades simultaneously on one clump. Each No1 tuber produces an upright plant approximately 80 cm tall and 50 cm wide, with dark stems and dark green foliage according to the RHS. From midsummer until the first frost, this new Van Noort selection suits borders, containers, and cutting gardens. Its changing colour and precise geometric flower form provide distinctive structure in planting schemes and fresh arrangements.
Plant the tuber in spring after the final frost when soil has warmed. Lay it horizontally 10 cm deep with its bud facing upward in fertile, humus-rich soil that stays fresh yet drains perfectly. Choose full sun and leave 50 cm around the crown. Install discreet support at planting, especially in an exposed position. Water sparingly before emergence, then deeply at the base whenever the surface dries. Pinch the shoot at 20 or 30 cm to branch the clump. Add compost and apply fertilizer richer in potassium with moderation from bud formation, avoiding excess nitrogen. Keep foliage dry while watering and maintain open airflow.
Place ‘Genova’ near the front or middle of a border where flowers can be watched changing from purple-tipped white to a richer purple. Pair it with white gauras, blue salvias, purple verbenas, silver artemisias, and bronze grasses. Firm rounded blooms are particularly useful in arrangements; harvest them nearly open early in the morning and remove faded heads to renew buds. Highly double flowers are mainly ornamental, so add simple open blooms for pollinators. In Canada, after the first frost, lift the tuber, let its surface dry, and store it somewhere cool, dry, dark, and frost-free until spring.
Sowing guide
It all startswith a seed.
Sowing depth
10 cm (4 in)
Spacing / density
50 cm (20 in) between plants
Sowing period
May to early June once soil is warm
Propagation
Division of a tuber carrying a viable bud
Growing method
After the final frost, loosen sunny soil to 30 cm and incorporate mature compost. Lay the tuber horizontally 10 cm deep with its bud upward, keeping 50 cm around the clump. Close without compacting and water sparingly before emergence to prevent rot. When shoots reach 20 to 30 cm, pinch above a leaf pair to encourage branching. Install a discreet stake or ring immediately. Water deeply at the base whenever the surface dries and apply fertilizer moderate in nitrogen and richer in potassium from bud formation. Tie stems with soft material. Remove faded flowers until frost. Once foliage blackens, cut, lift, dry, and store the tuber away from frost. Genova is a giant Dinnerplate dahlia with large double white with purple tips, becoming more purple flowers. Broad gently curved petals create full, balanced flowerheads with refined texture. The upright clump reaches about one metre and benefits from discreet staking in windy places. Full sun and fertile humus-rich fresh drained soil support sturdy stems. Feeding moderate in nitrogen and richer in potassium accompanies bud formation. Pinching branches young shoots and removing faded flowerheads extends flowering. In Quebec, the tuber must be lifted after frost and stored somewhere cool and frost-free.
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
Before emergence, water only when soil becomes distinctly dry. Once stems establish, apply water deeply at the base whenever the surface begins drying, especially during bud development and heat. Let drainage work between applications. Avoid wetting double flowers and foliage in the evening because prolonged moisture favours spotting and grey mould. Genova is a giant Dinnerplate dahlia with large double white with purple tips, becoming more purple flowers.
Soil type
Prepare fertile, humus-rich, loose, freely drained loam retaining even freshness during growth. Mature compost improves structure and supplies gentle reserves. On heavy soil, raise the planting slightly and incorporate coarse mineral material. Avoid hollows where water stands around the tuber, constantly wet substrates, and very dry ground that weakens stems and buds. Genova is a giant Dinnerplate dahlia with large double white with purple tips, becoming more purple flowers.
Fertilization
Incorporate mature compost before planting. From active growth, use balanced fertilizer low to moderate in nitrogen, then favour a potassium-richer formula as buds form. Follow labelled rates and water afterward. Excess nitrogen produces soft stems, abundant leaves, and fewer flowers. Stop feeding several weeks before autumn lifting. Genova is a giant Dinnerplate dahlia with large double white with purple tips, becoming more purple flowers. Broad gently curved petals create full, balanced flowerheads with refined texture.
Moisture
Maintain even soil moisture without saturation during active growth. Large double flowers become heavy after rain; good air circulation, 50 cm spacing, and support reduce breakage and slow drying. Never let thick mulch touch the crown. During storage, keep a cool dry atmosphere that prevents both extreme shrivelling and rot. Genova is a giant Dinnerplate dahlia with large double white with purple tips, becoming more purple flowers.
Seasonal care
In spring, inspect the tuber, prepare soil, plant after frost, and install support before stems become fragile. Pinch young shoots to branch the clump. In summer, water deeply, tie with soft material, feed moderately, and remove faded flowers regularly. Harvest stems early in the morning using clean tools. Monitor slugs, aphids, earwigs, spider mites, and mould without needlessly treating neighbouring flowers. In autumn, wait until frost blackens foliage, cut stems to 10 or 25 cm, lift the tuber without injury, and let its surface dry. Label Genova clearly. In winter, store it somewhere cool, dry, dark, and frost-free. Inspect monthly, remove soft tissue, and prevent both condensation and complete desiccation. Genova is a giant Dinnerplate dahlia with large double white with purple tips, becoming more purple flowers. Broad gently curved petals create full, balanced flowerheads with refined texture. The upright clump reaches about one metre and benefits from discreet staking in windy places. Full sun and fertile humus-rich fresh drained soil support sturdy stems. Feeding moderate in nitrogen and richer in potassium accompanies bud formation. Pinching branches young shoots and removing faded flowerheads extends flowering. In Quebec, the tuber must be lifted after frost and stored somewhere cool and frost-free. Double flowers suit arrangements and borders but provide little food for pollinators. Water deeply at the base when the surface dries without saturating the crown.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
At least 45 cm wide and deep
Use a stable container at least 45 cm wide and deep with numerous holes. Fill it with rich potting mix amended with compost and drainage material. Set one tuber 10 cm below the surface and immediately install a central stake or discreet cage. Keep the pot in full sun protected from strong wind. Water deeply whenever the upper centimetres dry and always empty the saucer. Feed moderately during growth, then emphasize potassium from bud formation. Pinch young shoots and remove faded flowers. Rotate the container regularly for balanced growth. After the first frost, cut stems, let the mix dry slightly, and remove the tuber for cool dry frost-free storage until spring. Genova is a giant Dinnerplate dahlia with large double white with purple tips, becoming more purple flowers. Broad gently curved petals create full, balanced flowerheads with refined texture. The upright clump reaches about one metre and benefits from discreet staking in windy places. Full sun and fertile humus-rich fresh drained soil support sturdy stems. Feeding moderate in nitrogen and richer in potassium accompanies bud formation. Pinching branches young shoots and removing faded flowerheads extends flowering. In Quebec, the tuber must be lifted after frost and stored somewhere cool and frost-free.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
80 cm (32 in)
Width / spread
50 cm (20 in)
Flower color
White with purple tips, becoming more purple
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Deciduous after frost
Growth rate
Fast
Growth habit
Tall upright clump
Bloom period
Fully double Genova flowers are very large and repeat from midsummer until the first frost. Broad white with purple tips, becoming more purple petals form full, balanced, luminous Dinnerplate blooms. Cut faded flowerheads above a leaf pair to renew buds. Support and good airflow protect this delicate texture after rainfall. Genova is a giant Dinnerplate dahlia with large double white with purple tips, becoming more purple flowers. This attention preserves vigour and the quality of its large white with purple tips, becoming more purple flowers.
Harvest
July to October. Harvest flowers when fully open for the longest vase life.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Pair Genova with blue salvias, purple verbenas, white gauras, chocolate cosmos, sweet alyssum, and bronze grasses sharing sun and drained soil. Airy silhouettes and simple flowers highlight giant Dinnerplate flowerheads while providing insects with more accessible resources. Keep 50 cm around the tuber and avoid highly aggressive roots or plants requiring constantly dry ground. Genova is a giant Dinnerplate dahlia with large double white with purple tips, becoming more purple flowers. Broad gently curved petals create full, balanced flowerheads with refined texture. This attention preserves vigour and the quality of its large white with purple tips, becoming more purple flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
When should Genova dahlia be planted?
Plant Genova in spring after the final frost when soil has warmed and no longer remains saturated. Lay the tuber horizontally 10 cm deep with its bud upward, keeping 50 cm clear around the crown. In cold regions, starting it indoors in a pot four to six weeks earlier advances growth, but acclimate the plant gradually before moving it outside. Water very sparingly before emergence to prevent rot, then increase moisture as shoots and roots become active. Install discreet support at planting when the site receives strong wind. This careful practice supports consistent flowering and strong healthy stems throughout summer.
Why do the flowers change colour?
The change is a normal Genova characteristic. Flowers open white with purple tips, then petals gain more purple as they age. Several stages therefore share the plant, creating a natural gradient without indicating a cultural problem. Light, temperature, and opening stage may slightly alter the intensity observed. To highlight this evolution, place the clump beside a path and harvest flowers of different ages for one arrangement. Full sun and balanced feeding encourage strong stems and clear colouring through the productive summer flowering season. This careful practice supports consistent flowering and strong healthy stems throughout summer. This careful practice supports consistent flowering and strong healthy stems throughout summer.
Is Genova suitable for arrangements?
Yes. Its firm rounded fully double flowers bring geometric form to arrangements and combine readily with airy blooms. Cut stems early in the morning when flowerheads are nearly open because dahlias develop little after harvest. Use a clean tool, remove leaves that would sit in water, and immediately place stems in a cool bucket. Refresh vase water and recut ends regularly. Frequent harvesting combined with removing faded flowerheads prevents seed formation and encourages the plant to produce new buds until frost. This careful practice supports consistent flowering and strong healthy stems throughout summer. This careful practice supports consistent flowering and strong healthy stems throughout summer.
Can Genova be grown in a container?
Yes, its approximately 80 cm height suits a stable container at least 40 to 45 cm wide and deep with large drainage holes. Fill it with fertile airy mix, plant the tuber 10 cm deep, and install discreet support. Keep the pot in full sun, water deeply when the upper few centimetres dry, and always empty its saucer. Feed moderately, pinch the shoot, and remove faded flowers. Rotate the container for balanced growth. After frost, remove the tuber and store it somewhere cool, dry, dark, and frost-free. This careful practice supports consistent flowering and strong healthy stems throughout summer. This careful practice supports consistent flowering and strong healthy stems throughout summer.
How should Genova be overwintered in Canada?
After the first frost blackens foliage, cut stems to 10 or 15 cm. Lift widely around the crown with a fork to avoid injuring tuberous roots, gently remove loose soil, and let the surface dry in a sheltered place. Store the labelled tuber in lightly insulating material somewhere cool, dry, dark, and frost-free. Inspect it monthly, remove any soft section with a clean tool, and increase ventilation if condensation appears. Replant only after frost risk has passed and the soil has warmed. This careful practice supports consistent flowering and strong healthy stems throughout summer. This careful practice supports consistent flowering and strong healthy stems throughout summer.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Supporting wildlife
Fully double Genova flowers hide nearly all of their disc and therefore offer little accessible pollen or nectar. Their value is mainly ornamental. Support wildlife by pairing this dahlia with salvias, sweet alyssum, verbenas, and other simple flowers, avoiding insecticides, providing shallow clean water, and maintaining several flowering periods in the border. Genova is a giant Dinnerplate dahlia with large double white with purple tips, becoming more purple flowers.
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