Dahlia Seeds (Ball & Decorative) - Madeline Mix

The Madeline Mix of Ball & Decorative dahlias is a stunning blend that features vibrant, rich colors and perfectly rounded blooms. This mix combines various shades, including soft pinks, deep purples, and bright oranges, creating a captivating display in gardens, containers, and flower beds. Whether you're designing a garden to attract pollinators or looking to brighten up a floral arrangement, the Madeline Mix brings beauty and elegance throughout the growing season.

Key Benefits

• Color Variety: Featuring a delightful mix of soft pinks, deep purples, and fiery oranges, this collection adds a colorful and dramatic touch to your garden.
• Symmetrical Blooms: The Madeline Mix includes round, perfectly formed blooms that are a hallmark of the Ball & Decorative dahlia variety.
• Long Blooming Period: These dahlias bloom from mid-summer to fall, offering months of stunning color.
• Pollinator-Friendly: Like most dahlias, the Madeline Mix attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to your garden.
• Easy to Grow: Ideal for gardeners of all experience levels, these dahlias are simple to plant and maintain.

Variety Features

• Flower Type: Ball & Decorative dahlias, known for their symmetrical, compact, and uniform blooms.
• Color: A striking mix of soft pink, deep purple, and fiery orange.
• Flower Size: Blooms measure approximately 4–6 inches in diameter.
• Height: Grows to about 3 feet tall, perfect for adding height to flower beds, borders, and containers.
• Blooming Period: Mid-summer to fall, ensuring continuous color.

Planting Instructions

Best Planting Time:

• Plant after the last frost in spring when the soil temperature reaches about 60°F (15°C).

Planting Tips:

• Depth: Plant tubers 4–6 inches deep with the growing tips (eyes) facing upwards.
• Spacing: Space plants 12–18 inches apart for optimal air circulation and growth.
• Soil Type: Dahlias thrive in well-drained, fertile soil. Amend soil with compost to improve drainage and fertility.
• Light Requirements: Plant in full sun, ensuring they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Care Instructions

Watering:

• Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage.

Fertilizing:

• Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) once the shoots emerge and again when the plants reach about 6 inches tall to encourage robust growth and flowering.

Weeding and Mulching:

• Mulch around the base to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keep the planting area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients.

Pest and Disease Management:

• Look out for pests such as aphids, snails, and slugs, and manage them organically or by hand.
• Prevent fungal diseases by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.

Harvesting

• For Blooms: Cut flowers early in the morning when they are fully open but still firm. Cut at an angle to maximize water uptake in a vase.
• For Tubers: After the first frost, carefully dig up the tubers, clean them, and allow them to dry before storing in a cool, dry place until next season.

Storage

Short-Term Storage:

• Fresh-cut flowers will last about a week in a vase with clean water. Change the water daily to extend the life of the flowers.

Long-Term Storage:

• Store dahlia tubers in a cool, dry location at around 40–50°F (4–10°C). Ensure the tubers are completely dry before storing to prevent mold.

Aesthetic and Culinary Uses

• Aesthetic Appeal: The Madeline Mix is perfect for brightening any garden or landscape with its vibrant colors and symmetrical blooms. Ideal for flower beds, borders, or as a cut flower in floral arrangements.
• Floral Arrangements: These dahlias make stunning additions to bouquets, whether for weddings, parties, or home décor. Their bright, vivid colors are perfect for creating striking floral designs.

Conclusion

The Madeline Mix of Ball & Decorative dahlias is a stunning addition to any garden, offering a rich combination of pink, purple, and orange hues that will brighten any landscape. These dahlias are easy to grow, attract pollinators, and bloom profusely from mid-summer to fall. Whether you're planting in beds, containers, or using them for cut flowers, the Madeline Mix is sure to add charm and elegance to your garden.