The Jowey Marilyn Dahlia is a highly sought-after variety, captivating gardeners with its distinctive appearance and generous blooms. Its prolific flowering and vibrant presence make it a rewarding addition to any garden.
Unveiling the Jowey Marilyn Dahlia
The Jowey Marilyn Dahlia is a ball or formal decorative type, known for its unique floral form. Its spherical, burgundy heads often show variegated hues from fuchsia to deep purple, with subtle white tips creating a metallic quality. These blooms typically measure 3 to 6 inches in diameter. Plants grow 3.5 to 5 feet tall, with sturdy stems supporting the flowers.
Cultivating Jowey Marilyn Dahlias
Cultivating Jowey Marilyn Dahlias involves specific practices from planting through overwintering. Adhering to these steps ensures robust growth and abundant flowering.
Planting Your Jowey Marilyn
Plant dahlia tubers in late spring, after frost danger has passed and soil temperature reaches 60°F (15°C). A common guideline is to plant them when tomatoes are planted. Dig a 6 to 8-inch deep hole and place the tuber horizontally with the “eye” facing upwards. Cover with 2 to 3 inches of soil initially, gradually filling as the stem sprouts.
Space tubers 12 to 18 inches apart for larger varieties, or up to 3 feet apart in rows for cut flowers. Avoid watering immediately after planting unless the soil is exceptionally dry, as excess moisture can cause rot before sprouts emerge. Begin consistent watering once green shoots appear above ground.
Essential Growing Conditions
Jowey Marilyn Dahlias thrive with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. In hot regions, afternoon shade can prevent stress and encourage continuous blooming. They prefer rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter like aged manure, compost, or peat moss to improve drainage and aeration. Good air circulation also helps prevent fungal issues and supports healthy growth.
Ongoing Care
Once established, dahlias need consistent moisture, typically 1 inch of water weekly, or deep watering one to three times per week. Avoid overwatering, which leads to tuber rot; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Fertilize once plants are established: use a high-nitrogen liquid feed in June, then a high-potash fertilizer from July to September. A balanced commercial fertilizer can be applied every three weeks, but avoid high-nitrogen types as they promote leafy growth over blooms.
Pinch the main stem when the plant is 10 to 16 inches tall with at least four sets of leaves. This encourages bushier growth and more flowers by redirecting energy to lateral buds. Due to their height and heavy blooms, staking is necessary. Install stakes near tubers at planting time to avoid damage, and tie stems to the support as the plant matures.
Overwintering Dahlias
In climates with freezing winters (colder than USDA Zone 8), dahlia tubers need to be lifted and stored. After the first hard frost blackens foliage, carefully dig up clumps. Remove excess soil and allow tubers to dry indoors for a few days.
Store them in a cool, dark, frost-free location, ideally between 40°F and 45°F (4°C and 7°C). Pack tubers in a loose material like vermiculite, dry sand, or slightly moist potting compost to maintain hydration. Periodically check stored tubers and remove any showing signs of rot.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Dahlias can face pests and diseases impacting plant health and bloom quality. Common insect pests include:
- Aphids, which cause distorted leaves and stunted growth.
- Spider mites, leading to yellowing foliage and webbing, especially in hot, dry conditions.
- Slugs and earwigs, damaging young foliage and buds.
- Thrips, causing discoloration and distortion of leaves and flowers.
Manage pests with a strong water stream for aphids, or insecticidal soaps/horticultural oils for spider mites and thrips. Control slugs and snails with baits or manual removal. Fungal diseases like powdery mildew (white coating on leaves) and botrytis (gray mold, rotting buds) are also possible. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering help prevent these. Viral issues, such as mosaic virus, cause leaf discoloration and stunted growth; remove infected plants to prevent spread, as there is no cure.
Utilizing Jowey Marilyn Dahlias
The Jowey Marilyn Dahlia is versatile, excelling as a cut flower and enhancing garden aesthetics. Its robust stems and impressive blooms are ideal for floral arrangements. To maximize vase life, harvest blooms in the morning before the day’s heat. Remove foliage below the waterline and consider searing stem ends or using a floral hydrator for optimal water uptake.
In the garden, Jowey Marilyn’s height makes it suitable for the back of borders, providing a backdrop for other plants. Its vibrant colors can serve as a focal point or complement softer shades in mixed beds. These dahlias also grow well in large containers, adding color to patios or smaller garden spaces. Regular harvesting or deadheading encourages continuous blooming, ensuring a prolonged display.