
Dharaseeds
Dahlia Molly Raven Decorative Seeds for planting in deep shade border and textured garden bed
Estimated Free Delivery between July 31 and August 03.
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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.