How to Grow Marjorie Channon
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Marjorie Channon
Dahlia × hybridorum 'Marjorie Channon'
flowerMarjorie Channon is a decorative dahlia cultivar prized for its stunning bi-color blooms featuring white petals with deep purple or red edges. This medium to large-flowered variety produces abundant blooms throughout the growing season and is ideal for cutting gardens and ornamental displays. The plant reaches 3-4 feet in height and offers reliable, long-lasting flowers for floral arrangements.
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Example Marjorie Channon timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Marjorie Channon
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Marjorie Channon blooms
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8-10; can be grown as an annual in cooler zones or stored indoors over winter
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Tuber Dormancy & Sprouting
2-3 weeksTubers are planted in warm soil and begin sending up shoots from the growth eyes
Plant after last frost when soil is warm (60°F+); ensure good drainage to prevent rot; water sparingly until sprouting occurs
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops stems, leaves, and branching structure; foliage becomes lush and robust
Pinch out the top growing point when plant reaches 12 inches to encourage bushier growth and more blooms; stake or support tall varieties early; fertilize every 2-3 weeks
Budding & Bud Development
2-3 weeksFlower buds begin forming at branch tips; buds gradually enlarge and color begins to develop
Remove lower leaves to improve air circulation; continue supporting with stakes if needed; maintain consistent watering and fertilizing with lower nitrogen, higher phosphorus fertilizer
Blooming
8-12 weeks (extends until frost)Decorative flowers open with characteristic bi-color white and purple/red petals; multiple blooms appear throughout the season
Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering; cut flowers for arrangements in early morning or late evening; maintain moisture and fertilize every 10-14 days
Senescence & Dormancy Preparation
2-4 weeks before frostFlowering slows as temperatures cool and frost approaches; foliage begins to deteriorate
In warm zones, plants may continue blooming; in cooler zones, dig tubers after first frost; cut back foliage and allow tubers to cure; store in cool, dry location over winter
Common Pests
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Hand-pick in early morning; use row covers; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage parasitic wasp populations
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Increase humidity and mist foliage; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; ensure adequate watering to reduce stress
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Remove affected flowers; use blue sticky traps; apply spinosad or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects
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Improve air circulation by pruning lower foliage; apply sulfur dust or fungicide spray; avoid overhead watering
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and
Handpick at dusk; use copper barriers; apply diatomaceous earth; create beer traps
Uses
Edible Decorations
CulinaryDahlia petals are edible and add striking visual appeal and subtle flavor to salads, desserts, and garnishes. The petals of Marjorie Channon provide dramatic bi-color visual impact for plating and food presentation. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements
HouseholdMarjorie Channon's large, distinctive bi-color blooms are exceptional for bouquets, wedding arrangements, and decorative displays. The long stems and extended vase life (7-10 days) make them excellent for both formal and casual flower arrangements. [source]
Garden Ornamental Display
HouseholdThe plant's abundant, reliable flowering and attractive foliage make it ideal for garden borders, cottage gardens, and mixed flower beds. The medium height and prolific blooming habit provide season-long color and visual interest. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeDahlia flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the growing season. The abundant blooms provide valuable nectar and pollen sources for beneficial insects in the garden ecosystem. [source]
Dried Flower Crafts
CraftDahlias can be dried for use in floral crafts, wreaths, and dried arrangements. The structured form of decorative dahlias like Marjorie Channon holds its shape well during the drying process. [source]
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers in early morning or late evening when stems are hydrated; use sharp, clean shears and cut at a 45-degree angle; remove lower foliage before placing in water; change water every 2-3 days for longest vase life (7-10 days); regular deadheading of spent blooms encourages continuous flowering
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Dahlias are native to Mexico and were cultivated by the Aztecs for food, ceremony, and ornament centuries before European discovery.
- 🌱 Marjorie Channon is a named cultivar that represents decades of selective breeding by dahlia enthusiasts to achieve its distinctive bi-color pattern and consistent bloom production.
- 🌱 Dahlias are available in nearly every color except true blue, with some varieties producing flowers larger than dinner plates; Marjorie Channon's decorative form with its contrasting edging is particularly prized by florists and garden designers.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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