Dahlia Seeds (Decorative) - Molly Raven

Dahlia Molly Raven is a charming decorative variety with striking dark burgundy to near-black blooms, making it an eye-catching addition to any garden. The elegant, large flowers sit atop strong stems, creating a bold contrast against green foliage. This dahlia's deep, rich color and classic form make it perfect for both garden displays and floral arrangements, offering a sophisticated touch to your garden or bouquet.

Key Benefits

• Deep, Dark Blooms: Features stunning dark burgundy flowers, often with near-black tones, creating a dramatic focal point in the garden.
• Long-Lasting Flowers: The blooms remain vibrant for weeks, adding extended beauty to your garden or floral arrangements.
• Ideal for Floral Arrangements: Its striking color makes it a favorite for cutting and creating elegant bouquets and centerpieces.
• Strong Growth: Molly Raven produces sturdy stems that can support its large flowers without the need for staking.
• Easy to Grow: Suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners, this dahlia thrives with minimal care.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Large, dark burgundy to almost black flowers with a classic, rounded dahlia form. The blooms sit atop strong, upright stems.
• Bloom Season: Blooms from mid-summer to fall, providing long-lasting color throughout the growing season.
• Growth Habit: Upright stems that can reach heights of 30–36 inches, producing numerous flowers on each plant.
• Size: The blooms are typically 4–6 inches in diameter, making them perfect for both garden beds and cutting gardens.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Plant Dahlia Molly Raven in spring, once the last frost has passed, and the soil temperature reaches at least 60°F (15°C).
• Best suited for full sun, although it can tolerate light shade in warmer climates.

Planting Details

• Bulb Depth: Plant tubers 4–6 inches deep, ensuring the "eye" or sprouting point faces upwards.
• Spacing: Space plants 18–24 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and room for growth.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Avoid heavy clay soils that may lead to waterlogging.
• Sunlight: Needs full sun for the best growth and maximum blooming, ideally 6+ hours of direct sunlight per day.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry periods. Water deeply to encourage robust growth and strong blooms.
• Provide about 1 inch of water per week.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting time and again when plants are about 6 inches tall for optimal growth and flowering.

Weeding and Mulching

• Regularly weed around the plant base to prevent competition for nutrients.
• Use mulch to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Watch for aphids and slugs. Treat with insecticidal soap or natural pest control methods.
• Diseases: To prevent fungal diseases, provide adequate spacing for air circulation and avoid wetting the foliage. Practice good garden hygiene and rotate crops annually.

Harvesting

• For Blooms: Harvest flowers when they are fully open but still firm. Cut the stems at an angle, and place them in water immediately to prolong their vase life.
• For Tubers: After the first frost, dig up the tubers carefully and store them in a cool, dry place for winter storage.

Storage

Short-Term: Store cut flowers in a vase with fresh water, changing the water every few days to prolong their freshness.
Long-Term: Store tubers in a cool, dry location (around 40°F or 4°C) in a dry, dark environment. Keep them in peat moss or sawdust to maintain moisture balance during winter storage.

Culinary and Aesthetic Uses

• Aesthetic: Dahlia Molly Raven is perfect for adding dark elegance to your garden. Its striking blooms create a bold contrast in beds, borders, or containers.
• Floral Arrangements: The deep, rich color makes Molly Raven a favorite for cutting and using in sophisticated flower arrangements and bouquets.

Conclusion

Dahlia Molly Raven is a captivating decorative variety that adds a touch of drama and elegance to any garden or floral arrangement. Its dark burgundy to near-black blooms provide a striking contrast in garden beds, while its sturdy growth and long-lasting flowers make it an excellent choice for both garden displays and cutting gardens.