Four Star Culture Guide - 2019 - 21

DAHLIA

Dahlightful®, Dalina®, Mystic Illusion®
NUTRITION
pH: 5.8 - 6.2
EC: (2:1 extraction method) .6 - .9
Constant feeding at 100ppm - 150ppm nitrogen with a fertilizer
selected for grower's water quality and soil mix is recommended.
TEMPERATURE
Rooting out: 65 - 72 F
Growing on: 65 - 70 F
Holding: 60 - 65 F
WATERING
Maintain moderate soil moisture. Allow the soil to cycle from
moist to dry. Avoid both severe dry downs/wilting and long
periods of wet soil, especially at cooler temperatures. Root loss
can occur if proper moisture levels are not maintained.
TIMING
4" - 5"/Grande™: 5 - 6 weeks with one 104 Liner plant.
6"/1GL Royale™: 6 - 7 weeks with one 104 Liner plant.
8": 8 - 9 weeks with one 104 Liner plant.
10" - 12" Hanging Basket: 10 - 12 weeks with one to three
104 Liner plants.
Dahlightful® are good for all container sizes, Dalina® Midi are
best suited for 4" - 5" containers, and Dalina Grande and Mystic
Illusion are suited for 6" and larger containers.
PLANTING
The 104 Liner plants should be planted into a well-drained soil
mix selected to match individual water quality and fertilizer
blends. It is helpful when planting to do so in such a way that
the lowest set of leaves are planted just below the soil surface.
By planting slightly deeper, additional roots will develop on this
upper portion of the existing root ball.
Water in thoroughly without saturating the mix and maintain a
constant moderate soil moisture level for the first seven to 10
days to establish new rooting. Plants have already been pinched
and further pinching should not be needed, except in the case
of taller material at time of planting or a second pinch on plants
for larger containers. This second pinch can be given on an "as
needed" basis for larger containers, usually three to four weeks
after planting.

LIGHT/LIGHTING
These plants should be grown in a high light area of the
greenhouse for optimal flowering and plant development.
Under short-day conditions, Dahlias require long-day lighting to
grow and flower properly. Plants need long-day lighting through
week 13 (end of March). Prior to week 13, plants should be
given 14-hour days by using daylength extension lighting. Dalina
Midi and Grande Dahlias are more daylength sensitive than
Dahlightful or Mystic Illusion Dahlias.
If long-day lighting is not supplied before week 13, the
plants will flower early, plants will be smaller, tubers will
form, plant vigor will decline, and plants can be lost due
to Root Rot caused by overwatering and overfertilizing.
GROWTH REGULATORS
A spray application of B-Nine® (daminozide) at 1,500ppm
- 2,500ppm can be applied as required for Dalina Midi and
Grande, and for Mystic Illusion. Dalina Midi are smaller and
less vigorous. They will require fewer, if any, PGR treatments,
at the lower rate. The Dalina Grande and Dahlightful
may require PGR treatments, while Mystic Illusion will
require the most PGR attention.
For ease in growing, watering, fertilizing, and applying PGRs,
grow separately in three groups: 1) Dalina Midi, 2) Dalina
Grande and Dahlightful, and 3) Mystic Illusion.
PEST and DISEASE MANAGEMENT
A broad spectrum fungicide such as Banrot® (etridiazole plus
thiophanate-methyl) can be applied at transplant, if desired.
In poor growing conditions, Botrytis or Powdery Mildew can
develop. A preventative spray of a fungicide such as Compass®
(trifloxystrobin) can be made if Powdery Mildew has been a
problem. Whiteflies, Thrips, and Aphids can be pests of concern.
OUTDOOR GROWING SCHEDULE
Due to long-day requirements and sensitivity to frost and
severe cold, Dahlias are best grown as a finished crop indoors.
OTHER TIPS
* Provide proper growing environment and good air movement.
* Supply long-day lighting with production before April 1st.
* Growing at cooler-than-recommended temperatures will delay
flowering and lead to longer crop times.

The rates and chemicals listed are based on our southeast Michigan growing conditions, and are not recommended for nationwide application.
Please adjust the rates and spray applications to your location and facility.

Four Star Culture Guide - 2019

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