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Bulb
Asteraceae
Dahlia 'Salmon Runner' (Dahlia)
Dahlia × pinnata
Salmon Runner produces double, decorative flowers measuring 11 cm (4 in), salmon-orange with purple-pink edges, on an upright clump of 100 cm (39 in). The No1 Van Noort tuber should be planted 10 cm (4 in) deep, in full sun, in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Install support early, pinch the shoot, water deeply at the base, and remove spent blooms until frost. This decorative cultivar is suitable for beds, large pots, and bouquets. In Quebec, lift the tuber in the autumn and store it in a cool, dry, frost-free place. Its salmon-orange florets enrich any arrangement. It blooms generously from July until the first frosts.
- 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
Dahlia ‘Salmon Runner’ (Dahlia) Dahlia ‘Salmon Runner’ bears decorative, fully double flowers about 11 cm (4 in) across, composed of intense orange florets edged with purplish pink at their tips. A brilliant yellow base and fine red veins further warm the palette, while the red to purplish-pink reverse adds depth as the petals curve. This officially registered sport of ‘Red Runner’ forms a bushy, upright clump about 100 cm (39 in) tall and 50 cm (20 in) wide, adorned with dark green foliage. From summer to first frost, its sturdy stems provide bright flowers for beds, large containers, and warm-toned bouquets.
Plant the No. 1 tuber after the last frost, when the soil has warmed, in a sheltered location receiving full sun. Lay it 10 cm (4 in) deep, bud upward, in fertile, humus-rich, fresh, and freely draining soil. Allow 50 cm (20 in) around the crown and immediately install an inconspicuous stake. Water sparingly before sprouting, then deeply at the base when the surface is dry. Pinch back the young shoot at 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in) to encourage branching. Incorporate mature compost before planting and fertilize moderately, with more potassium once buds form. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes tender stems at the expense of flowers.
Pair ‘Salmon Runner’ with purple-blue salvias, white gauras, chocolate cosmos, and coppery grasses to highlight its salmon, pink, and yellow hues. Harvest nearly open stems early in the morning, then regularly remove faded flower heads to encourage reblooming. Its very double flowers offer limited access to pollen; add nearby single flowers to feed beneficial insects. Monitor for slugs, aphids, and spider mites, and maintain generous air circulation to limit powdery mildew and gray mold. In Quebec, lift the tuber after the first frost, let its surface dry, and store it in a cool, dry, dark, and frost-free place until 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 sunny area to a depth of 30 cm (12 in) and incorporate mature compost. Place the tuber horizontally 10 cm (4 in) deep, bud facing up, then maintain a 50 cm (20 in) clearance around the crown. Backfill gently without compacting, and only water if the soil becomes dry before emergence. Pinch the shoot 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in) above a pair of leaves. Immediately install a sturdy stake. When growth accelerates, water deeply at the base and fertilize moderately, favoring potassium at the bud stage. Tie the stems with flexible ties, harvest flowers when almost open, and remove faded flower heads. After frost, cut back the stems, lift the tuber, let its surface dry, and store it in a cool, dry, frost-free place. The salmon-orange contrast edged with purplish-pink remains sharper when the plant receives at least six hours of direct sun and regular feeding without excess nitrogen. An early-installed stake supports the 11 cm (4 in) flower heads after rain without compressing stems or damaging active roots. Remove faded flowers before seed formation so that the clump directs its energy towards new buds until the first frost.
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 consistently moist without overwatering. Reduce watering before autumn tuber harvesting. Before watering, check the moisture beneath the surface with your finger rather than following a fixed schedule. Recent rainfall, wind, and container growing can quickly change watering needs. Direct water to the soil, at the base of the plant, and allow any excess to drain freely.
Soil type
Prioritize 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 prevent compaction. Adapt amendments to its actual texture. For potted plants, use appropriate potting soil and a pot with drainage holes. Keep these openings clear and avoid any water accumulation in the saucer.
Fertilization
Incorporate mature compost before planting. At the start, use a balanced formula low to moderate in nitrogen, then favor more potassium when buds appear. Follow the recommended dosage and then water. Too much nitrogen produces tender stems and fewer flowers. The salmon-orange contrast edged with purplish-pink remains sharper when the plant receives at least six hours of direct sun and regular feeding without excess nitrogen.
Seasonal care
In spring, inspect the tuber, remove only rotten tissue, and plant after the last frost in warmed soil. Install support immediately. Until sprouting, avoid repeated watering. In early summer, pinch the sprout at 20 or 30 cm (8 to 12 in), tie new stems, and keep the soil moist without saturation. Once buds appear, fertilize moderately with more potassium. In summer, water deeply at the base during dry periods, harvest nearly open flowers, and continuously remove spent flower heads. Monitor for slugs, aphids, earwigs, spider mites, and gray mold. After the first frost, cut the stems, carefully lift the tuber, let its surface dry, label it Salmon Runner, and store it in a cool, dry, dark, and frost-free place. Check it monthly during winter. The salmon-orange contrast edged with purplish-pink remains sharper when the plant receives at least six hours of direct sun and regular feeding without excessive nitrogen. An early-installed stake supports the 11 cm (4 in) flower heads after rain without compressing the stems or damaging active roots. Remove spent flowers before seed formation so the clump directs its energy towards new buds until the first frost. Always water slowly at the base, then let the top layer breathe to maintain a balance between moisture, oxygen, and drainage. The salmon-orange hues edged with purplish-pink pair particularly well with blue, white, purple perennials and light grasses.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
Capacity 40 to 50 L, deep and very stable
Container growing requires planning for the volume needed for the roots and the plant's final height. Choose a stable pot with drainage holes and a suitable growing medium. Leave enough space to respect the recommended depth and spacing, rather than overcrowding 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, from the outset, plan a wintering location compatible with the plant's needs and your region's climate. Plant in spring when all risk of frost has passed and the soil is sufficiently warm. Choose a sunny spot, sheltered from strong winds, in fertile and well-drained soil. Arrange the tuberous roots with their crown and buds facing upwards, without breaking fragile connections. Install a stake at planting if support will be needed, to avoid damaging the roots later. Water sparingly at the start, then adjust watering based on foliage growth. Constantly saturated soil around the tubers should be avoided, especially before the emergence of the first shoots. Plan to bring storage organs indoors to protect them from frost during 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
Salmon orange, purplish pink, and yellow
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Lapsed
Growth rate
Quick
Bloom period
Large decorative blooms feature vibrant salmon petals, nuanced with orange and a slightly ruffled texture. Dahlia ‘Salmon Runner’ (Dahlia ‘Salmon Runner’) Dahlia ‘Salmon Runner’ bears fully double decorative flowers, about 11 cm (4 in.) across, composed of intense orange florets edged with purplish pink towards their tips. From summer to first frost, its sturdy stems provide bright blooms for beds, large containers, and warm-toned bouquets. Incorporate mature compost before planting and fertilize moderately, with more potassium once buds form.
Harvest
July to October. Pick the flowers when they are fully open to ensure the best vase life.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Pairs perfectly with cosmos, ornamental grasses, salvias, and Verbena bonariensis to create bright and colorful beds. A brilliant yellow base and delicate red veins further warm the palette, while the reddish-purple reverse adds depth as the petals curve. Pair 'Salmon Runner' with violet-blue salvias, white gaura, chocolate cosmos, and coppery grasses to highlight its salmon, pink, and yellow hues. Its very double flowers offer limited access to pollen; add nearby single flowers to feed beneficial insects.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
When to plant the Salmon Runner dahlia?
Plant the tuber after the last frost, once the soil has warmed and is no longer saturated. Lay it 10 cm (4 in) deep, bud side up, in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Allow 50 cm (20 in) around the crown and install a support immediately. In a cold region, 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 are active. Full sun develops strong stems and intensifies the purple-red and black contrast.
What color are Salmon Runner flowers?
Salmon Runner is particularly useful as a cut flower thanks to its sturdy stems and numerous decorative flower heads, approximately 11 cm (4 in) in diameter. Harvest them early in the morning when the flowers are almost open, as dahlias continue to open very little after cutting. Use a clean tool, immediately place the stems in water, and remove any submerged foliage. The salmon-orange, purplish-pink, and yellow palette pairs well with cream zinnias, chocolate cosmos, and silvery foliage. Regular cutting also encourages the plant to form new buds until frost. Replenish the vase water frequently and trim the stems slightly to extend their vase life.
How to support and make Salmon Runner flourish?
Install a sturdy stake at planting to avoid damaging the roots later. Tie the stems with soft ties as they grow. Pinch back the young shoot to 20-30 cm (8-12 in) to encourage multiple branches. Water deeply at the base when the surface is dry, then allow excess water to drain away. Incorporate mature compost initially, then use a moderate fertilizer, richer in potassium as buds form. Avoid excess nitrogen, which produces tender stems and a lot of foliage. Regularly remove faded flowers so that energy is directed to subsequent buds until frost.
Can Salmon Runner grow in a large pot?
Yes, choose a stable container of 40 to 50 L, deep, well-drained, and filled with rich but aerated potting 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 a moderate liquid fertilizer, richer in potassium as soon as buds appear. Turn the container weekly, pinch the young shoot, and remove faded flowers to maintain a balanced shape and generous blooms.
How to overwinter Salmon Runner in Quebec?
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 so as not to damage it. Gently remove excess soil, let the surface dry in a well-ventilated area, and clearly label it Salmon Runner. Store it in a dark, cool, dry, and frost-free place, in a lightly insulating material that limits desiccation without retaining water. Inspect it monthly. Remove only parts showing active rot and increase ventilation if condensation appears. Wait until the last spring frost and warmed soil before replanting.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Supporting wildlife
The very double flowers limit access to pollen and nectar. Salmon Runner contributes mainly through its ornamental value. To feed bees and butterflies, plant sages, verbenas, echinaceas, or other single flowers rich in resources nearby. The salmon-orange contrast edged with purplish-pink remains sharper when the plant receives at least six hours of direct sunlight and regular feeding without excess nitrogen.
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