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DAHLIAS<br />
For Pot<br />
Availability<br />
Ventilation<br />
Pot Dahlias are shipped from February 1 until July 4<br />
Good ventilation is essential. Do not permit humidity to build up.<br />
Storage After Arrival Until Planting Time<br />
NOTE: Genetic dwarf dahlias are now readily available. Please<br />
After arrival inspect the roots for any possible damage that<br />
review variety selection to avoid use of A'Rest.<br />
may have occurred during transportation. Store the roots<br />
Use of Ancymidol (A'Rest)<br />
NOTE: IT IS ESSENTIAL TO START AT A SOIL TEMPERATURE OF 78-80 ° F. The only plant growth regulator approved for use in controlling the<br />
until the proper planting date.<br />
tuberous-rooted dahlia is ancymidol (A'Rest). For primary height<br />
Greenhouse Culture<br />
control the ancymidol must be applied as a soil drench no later<br />
The greenhouse requirements, cultural practices, and general<br />
than two weeks after planting. More precisely, it should be applied<br />
growth pattern of the Dahlia are quite similar to those of the<br />
when the shoots are approximately 1/4" (0.5 cm) long. At the<br />
Easter Lily. Dahlias begin to shoot growth slowly and unevenly<br />
time of application the planting medium must be moist! See<br />
and will range from 1-2-3 or more shoots. DO NOT PERMIT<br />
variety list for use of A'Rest.<br />
MORE THAN 3 SHOOTS TO DEVELOP FROM THE CROWN.<br />
Pinching<br />
Watering<br />
Each variety will produce a range of single, double or multiple<br />
After planting, water the medium thoroughly. Subsequently, for the shooted roots to develop the maximum flowers per pot at the time<br />
initial 4-5 weeks keep the medium moist but not wet. After the<br />
of marketing, and to provide better shaped plants, it is necessary<br />
shoots begin to develop water should be applied directly to the that all plants which are producing only a single strong shoots<br />
medium. Avoid wetting the foliage whenever possible.Once the must be pinched. It appears that the best stage of development to<br />
flowerbuds become visible, watering will have to be more<br />
pinch out the terminal shoot is after the 3rd or 4th pair of leaves<br />
frequently and thoroughly. This is due to increased water<br />
have unfolded. Dahlia normally form 2-4 pair of leaves. A pinch<br />
requirements of the plant. On the date that A'Rest is to be<br />
at this time will force 2-4 lateral breaks to produce more flowers.<br />
applied as a soil drench, the medium must be moist. Water the Cultivated Stock<br />
evening before and then apply the A'Rest the next morning.<br />
All roots must be from cultivated stock, especially grown for pot<br />
Potting, Planting Medium, Spacing<br />
culture. Do not use regular, uncultivated stock.<br />
Normally Dahlia are forced single in a 6" (15 cm) pot, either 3/4<br />
For Cut<br />
or standard size pots can be used. Also either clay or plastic pots Availability<br />
can be used but plastic pots are preferred. Dahlia require a well Dahlias are available from February until July. Planting can only be<br />
drained, granulated medium. It should be sterile, have a pH of 6-7 done when danger of frost is over.<br />
and be low in soluble salts. Because the application of A'Rest must Storage Until Planting<br />
be as a soil drench, the texture of the medium is critical. It should After arrival, inspect the roots for possible damage that may have<br />
consist of equal parts of loamy soil, a coarse aggregate, and peat. occurred during shipping. If storage is needed, this can be done in<br />
The organic matter should not be over 1/3 of mixture and the<br />
closed shipping container up to 2-3 weeks.<br />
medium should not contain bark.<br />
Planting, Medium, Watering & Fertilizer<br />
Light and Temperature in Greenhouse<br />
Use a well drained soil pH 6-7 and a low soluble salt. Plant in full<br />
Dahlia must be exposed to full sunlight throughout the greenhouse sun. Plant the crown slightly above the soil. Do not split roots<br />
growing period. Dahlia should be forced at a minimum night<br />
prior to planting. Place dahlias in rows 2 feet on center, while the<br />
temperature of 62-65° F. Lower temperature will delay flowering. rows should be 2-3 feet apart. Dahlias are a water loving plant.<br />
Day temperatures should be kept at 68-72° F. Higher temperatures In dry conditions be sure to add water to allow for proper growth.<br />
if given for a prolonged period of time can reduce the plant<br />
Continuous feeding is required, beginning at shoot emergence. Use<br />
quality. To delay the development of the crop near the date of a weekly application of 200 ppmN of a 20-20-20 or a topdress<br />
marketing, it is possible to lower the night temperature to 55° F, application of a slow release 14-14-14 fertilizer<br />
conversely, the crop can be accelerated by forcing 70-75° F for<br />
a few days.<br />
Cut when petals begin to loosen. Dahlias can be cut with or<br />
Fertilizer without foliage. Keep in cooler at 40-45° F.<br />
Dahlia require continuous fertilization beginning immediately<br />
after shoot growth becomes visible. A complete (NPK) fertilizer<br />
is required. A slow release (14-14-14) fertilizer applied as a topdress<br />
can be used. Also a weekly application of 200 ppmN of a<br />
20-20-20 soluble fertilizer can be used. The liquid feed can be used<br />
as a supplement to the slow release fertilization if needed.<br />
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