Dahlia Seeds - Rocco

The Dahlia Rocco is a captivating and elegant variety, featuring large, bold flowers in a rich, deep burgundy color. With its striking contrast and perfect symmetry, this variety is ideal for adding drama and sophistication to any garden or floral arrangement. Rocco blooms are renowned for their large, rounded shape and high petal count, making them excellent for cut flower arrangements. Whether in garden beds, containers, or as a focal point in mixed plantings, the Dahlia Rocco will provide a touch of luxury and elegance to any landscape.

Key Benefits

• Bold, Rich Color: Features deep, dark burgundy flowers with a velvety texture, creating a dramatic focal point in the garden.
• Large, Symmetrical Blooms: Known for its large, perfectly round blooms that grow up to 8–10 inches in diameter.
• Long-Blooming: Provides an extended flowering period from mid-summer through fall, ensuring continuous color and beauty.
• Cut-Flower Friendly: Excellent for floral arrangements due to its large, sturdy blooms that last longer in vases.
• Attracts Pollinators: Bees and butterflies are drawn to its vibrant flowers, promoting pollination and biodiversity in your garden.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Tall, sturdy plants with robust stems that support the large flowers.
• Bloom Season: Blooms from mid-summer to fall, offering a continuous and stunning visual display.
• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy plants that can be used as a focal point in borders or as a specimen plant.
• Size: Typically grows 36–48 inches tall, making it perfect for the back of garden beds or as a centerpiece in larger garden designs.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Plant Dahlia Rocco in spring, once the soil has warmed to at least 60°F (15°C) and after the last frost has passed.
• Wait until all danger of frost is gone before planting.

Planting Details

• Bulb Depth: Plant tubers 4–6 inches deep, with the "eye" or sprouting point facing upwards.
• Spacing: Space Seeds 18–24 inches apart to ensure proper airflow and growth.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0).
• Sunlight: Full sun for at least 6 hours per day for optimal flowering and growth.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist but well-drained. Avoid overwatering, as dahlias are susceptible to root rot. Water deeply to encourage strong root development.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting time and again during the growing season. Dahlias benefit from additional feeding once they start blooming.
• Avoid fertilizers that are too high in nitrogen, as this may promote foliage growth rather than blooming.

Weeding and Mulching

• Weed regularly around the plants to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
• Use mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and help suppress weed growth.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Aphids, slugs, and spider mites can be attracted to dahlias. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap.
• Diseases: Prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew by ensuring adequate airflow around the plants and avoiding watering the foliage.

Harvesting

• For Blooms: Cut flowers when fully open but still fresh and vibrant. Snip the stems at an angle to promote longer-lasting blooms in vases.
• For Tubers: After the first frost, carefully dig up the tubers, clean them, and store them in a cool, dry place for the winter.

Storage

Short-Term: For cut flowers, keep them in a cool, dry place, and change the water frequently to maintain freshness.
Long-Term: Store the tubers in a cool, dry location (around 40°F or 4°C) for winter. Pack them in peat moss or sawdust to prevent dehydration.

Culinary and Aesthetic Uses

• Aesthetic: The Dahlia Rocco brings a touch of luxury and sophistication to any garden, making it perfect for flower beds, borders, or as a focal point.
• Floral Arrangements: With its large, rich blooms, this variety is perfect for creating stunning bouquets, floral arrangements, and centerpiece displays. The deep burgundy color adds elegance to any occasion.

Conclusion

The Dahlia Rocco is an eye-catching and dramatic variety, with its rich, dark burgundy blooms and large, symmetrical flowers. Perfect for gardeners looking to add an elegant, striking touch to their landscape, this dahlia excels in both garden settings and floral arrangements. With its long bloom time and sturdy stems, the Rocco Dahlia will provide beauty and elegance throughout the growing season, making it a must-have for any flower enthusiast.