ANNUALS

Dahlita™ Dahlia Series

COMPACT VIGOR | UPRIGHT | HIGH DENSITY

Most compact, fastest-to-flower dahlia
Early sales, as soon as February 14
Abundance of small, long-lasting blooms
Versatile and space efficient
Great for color bowls

General Information
- Height:8 - 10" (20 - 25cm)
- Spread:8 - 10" (20 - 25cm)
- Exposure:Sun
Rooting Guidelines
- Recommended Cell Size (in millimeters):25 mm
- Rooting Hormone (IBA + NAA mix):yes
- Average Days with Mist:9 to 12
- Early PGR Treatment Recommended (after 7 - 10 days):no
- PGR applications during rooting:
  Sprays only. Cover the plants and avoid run-off as much as possible. For vigorous products, first application should be done about 7-10 days after sticking, second when needed. Please test before use.
- Average Propagation Weeks:3 to 4
- Pinch in Propagation:optional
- Comments:Hormone will improve rooting. Night-break lighting (10 p.m.-2 a.m.) will reduce likelihood of tuber formation.
Rooting & Finishing
- Media pH:5.8-6.2
- Best results are achieved if media with the correct pH is used starting with propagation.
- Fertilizer Needs:200-250 PPM N/EC 1.8-2.0
- Start with low concentrations after roots show and increase with plant development to the recommended levels.
- Watering:keep evenly moist
- In general avoid drying out or overwatering the substrate as this will affect plant quality and finishing time. Root system will suffer when conditions change from one extreme to the other. “Growing on the dry side“ means letting the substrate become dry (substrate color turns light brown and substrate starts to separate from the pot edge) before watering.
  
  “Keep constantly moist“ means watering the plants just before substrate becomes dry. Water management in rooting and finishing is half the success and the best way to prevent root-bound diseases, improve performance and control plant quality.
Finishing Guidelines
- Temperature Needs Day/Night: 65-76°F/59-64°F 18-24°C/15-18°C
- During rooting keep soil temperature measured in the liner at 70°F/21°C until cuttings are well-rooted. After planting the liner, keep temperature up until roots have developed nicely. Afterward follow recommendations.
  
  The use of “Cool Morning“ treatments will improve plant quality, flower and foliage color, and plant habit, and harden the plants. Lower the temperature by 8-12°F/4-6°C 2 hours before sunrise until 2-3 hours after sunrise. Start treatments after plants are rooted in, well-branched and cover the media (reach the pot edges). To avoid delayed flowering, keep the average day temperature under a close watch and if necessary, increase night temperatures. Finishing of the crop depends on the average day temperature, and positive or negative DIF methods as well as “Cool Morning” can be used to improve plant quality.
- Pinch after Transplant (unpinched liners):optional
- Light Levels in Foot Candles:4,000 to 6,000
- Plant Growth Regulators (PGR) (S) = spray / (D) = drench:Typically not needed. If necessary, B-Nine 1,000 PPM/Cycocel 500 PPM works well.
- Pests and Fungal Diseases:Aphids, Fungus Gnats, Leafminer, Spider Mites, Thrips, Phytophthora, Powdery Mildew, Botrytis, Pythium
- Comments: Avoid cold conditions and dry down during short days to avoid tuber formation.
Crop Time
- 4- to 5-inch (10- to 13-cm) Pots, Quarts: 6 to 8 weeks, 1 ppp
- 6-inch (15-cm) Pots, Gallons:7 to 9 weeks, 1 to 2 ppp
- 10- to 12-inch (25- to 30-cm) Tubs or Baskets: