November 2008

Dahlia Dahlinova Hypnotica Series By Joe Bergen and MaryJane Harrell

For years, dahlias have impressed us with their beautiful flowers and almost geometric flower shape. Nevertheless, after all these years, there is a new dahlia series that boasts radiant colors and elegant shape.

In a world full of challenges, Dahlinova Hypnotica is bred to be a little easier on the grower. This new pot dahlia series from Fides is uniform in flowering time; they all bloom within a week. In addition, Dahlinova Hypnotica is fast to finish, fast rooting and has heavy foliage and superior branching. They are ideal for the grower who needs a very vigorous series with well-shaped plants. They flower abundantly and consistently during summer. The flowers are large with shorter stems that do not stretch too far above the foliage.

Variety Description

Dahlinova Hypnotica varieties are produced from cuttings. The series was introduced to the market in 2008, and in 2009 the complete series will be available. The breeding program resulted in a broad range of vibrant colors: Bronze Bicolour, Light Pink, Orange, Pink, Red, White and Yellow.

They can be grown in pot sizes from 5 inches and up, and should be planted about 16 inches apart. The series may be used in gardens, containers, and on balconies and patios.

Care Tips

Remove finished flowers for continuous blooming. In sunny or semi-shaded areas, Dahlinova Hypnotica will flower from spring until fall, and they are rain and mildew tolerant. Taller Dahlinova Hypnotica varieties can be supported as an extra assurance against strong winds if the flowers are very large and heavy.

Rooting

Dahlinova Hypnotica are easy to root; they take approximately three weeks. Only one cutting is needed per gallon. The growing media should be well drained with sufficient moisture retention to prevent daily wilting. Canadian sphagnum peat mossÐbased mixes are well suited for use. Growing media with composted bark are also suitable as long as 40 to 50 percent of the mix contains combinations of peat moss, vermiculite or coir for moisture retention. Unrooted cuttings should be stuck immediately after arrival. The best rooting temperature is 70¡ F.

Plant the cutting deeply, at least up to the first lower leafs. This is for the stability of the plant when grown. Keep the plants well misted until root initials appear.

Culture

After rooting, the crop time is seven to nine weeks and six to eight weeks in late spring and summer.

Keep the temperature at 65-70¡ F during days and 60-65¡ F during the night. Higher temperatures can delay flowering, reduce flower size and cause bronzing of flower color. Lower temperatures limit growth and finished plant size. Dahlinova Hypnotica grows best with maximum light intensity. Avoid shading from overhead crops, and use supplemental lighting with 400-500 foot-candles for 14 hours daily in midwinter crops. Use proper spacing and horizontal air flow to provide good air circulation around plants.

Pinch at four to five leafs. By nature, the Dahlinova Hypnotica plants are well branched; however, by pinching, the plant habit and branching become even better and the result is a bigger, stronger and more stable plant.

Allow plants to dry slightly between watering. Do not allow plants to wilt, or leaf margin burn can occur. Know water alkalinity and its potential effect on changing pH during crop production. Choose appropriate water-soluble fertilizer, acid or flowable lime products as needed to minimize alkalinity effects on pH. If grown too dry, the foliage will die back.

Good crop growth is obtained with 200- to 250-ppm nitrogen fertigation from a complete N-P-K water-soluble fertilizer. Use N-P-K 20-10-20. The majority of nitrogen should be in the nitrate form. Avoid high ammonia or urea fertilizers that reduce plant quality by encouraging soft, stretched growth. Maintain EC level at 1.5 until crop is established (pinched). Produce plants with up to 3.0 EC until buds are well developed. Lower to 1.5 until sale. To lower EC, use lower rates of fertilizer or alternate fertilization with clear water irrigation. Optimum pH is 5.8 to 6.2.

Growth Regulation

Little to no plant growth regulators are required, depending on light level and temperature. If needed, use 1,500-ppm B-Nine (daminozide) two to three weeks after planting. Do not apply B-Nine after visible bud stage.

Insect and Disease Control

In general, always be on the alert for insect pressures, especially aphids and thrips. Furthermore, monitor and scout the surroundings regularly and be sure to work in a hygienic way.