Dahlia 'Bloody Mary'

60 Seeds

Dahlia 'Bloody Mary' is a striking ornamental variety producing large, richly colored deep crimson to dark red blooms. It is highly valued for flower beds, borders, containers, landscaping, and cut flower arrangements. In the Gulf region, dahlias perform best when grown during the cool season, as they are sensitive to prolonged extreme heat.

Best Planting Time

• October to December (recommended)
• Start seeds early in the cool season.
• Avoid sowing during the hot summer months.

Seed Preparation

• No soaking is required.
• Sow fresh, high-quality seeds.
• No cold stratification is needed.

Soil Preparation

Use fertile, loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Recommended mix:

• 40% Garden soil
• 30% Well-rotted compost
• 20% Coco peat
• 10% Perlite or coarse sand

Ideal soil pH:

• 6.2–7.0

Sowing Method

• Sow seeds in seed trays or small pots.
• Plant seeds 0.5 cm deep.
• Cover lightly with fine soil.
• Keep the soil evenly moist.
• Transplant seedlings when they develop 3–4 true leaves.

Temperature & Light

• Ideal germination temperature: 18–22°C
• Ideal growing temperature: 18–28°C
• Requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• In the Gulf, provide afternoon shade during warm spring days to prolong flowering.

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist during germination.
• After establishment, water when the top 2–3 cm of soil becomes dry.
• Water deeply but avoid waterlogging.
• Good drainage is essential to prevent root and tuber rot.

Germination Time

• 7–14 days

Plant Spacing

• 35–45 cm between plants.
• 45–60 cm between rows.

Flowering

• Flowers approximately 90–120 days after sowing.
• Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming.
• Plants grown from seed may produce slightly different flower forms and shades than the parent variety.

Fertilization

• Mix compost into the soil before planting.
• Feed with a balanced flowering fertilizer every 3–4 weeks.
• Reduce nitrogen after buds form to encourage abundant flowering.

Gulf Climate Tips

• Grow during the cool season only.
• Water early in the morning.
• Apply mulch to keep roots cool.
• Provide afternoon shade during warm periods.
• Ensure excellent air circulation.
• Monitor for aphids, spider mites, thrips, powdery mildew, and root rot.
• Dahlia 'Bloody Mary' performs beautifully in flower beds, borders, containers, courtyard gardens, and cutting gardens throughout the Gulf during winter and spring.