✂ Cut Flower🏆 Exhibition

Checkers

Burgundy petals tipped in white, a checkerboard bicolor that shows up reliably.

★ First community photo

Photo by Admin

Formal Decorative · 3.5–4"RedGitts (2001)United States

Bred in 2001 by the Gitts family at Swan Island Dahlias in Oregon, Checkers earned its name from the checkerboard effect of deep burgundy petals dipped in crisp white. Individual blooms vary across one plant: some painted half red and half white, others more evenly tipped, a few reverting to solid burgundy. Compact, bushy, and clothed in lush lacy foliage, it produces show-worthy cut stems. It was bred in United States by Gitts in 2001.

No sellers have listed Checkers yet.

Be the first to sell it

Availability & pricing

No growers are currently listing Checkers on The Dahlia Hub.

Specifications

Physical

Form: Formal Decorative
Bloom class: Munder 4"
Bloom size: 3.5–4"(8.9–10.1 cm)
Plant height: 42–60"

Color

Color: Red/White
Pattern: Bicolor
Tags: redwhiteburgundybicolorcheckered

Growing context

Flowering season: Mid season
Cut flower: ✓ Yes
Exhibition: ✓ Yes

Provenance

2001
United States
Breeder: Gitts
Introducer: Swan Island Dahlias

Grower Profile

Difficulty

Intermediate

Ideal for

HobbyistsFloristsExhibitors

Growing Checkers

Plant tubers after the last frost in full sun with rich, well-drained soil. Pinch the central growing tip once three leaf pairs have formed to encourage branching and more cut stems. Stake early with a sturdy support because the bushy growth catches wind. Water deeply on a regular rhythm once sprouts emerge, then keep feeding through summer with a low-nitrogen fertilizer to favor blooms over foliage. Watch for reverting solid burgundy flowers in late summer and cut them for bouquets while side buds continue the checkered show. Disbud side buds when you want larger exhibition heads, or leave them on for spray-style cutting.

Spacing: Space about 3 ft apart
Staking: Stake early — stems carry heavy blooms and lean in wind