Temperature: The use of warm temperature propagation can rapidly encourage rooting of Dahlia. Recommended environment includes use of 68 degree F. night temperature. Misting in propagation should be used for the first 7 - 9 days to mitigate excessive wilting. Propagation environments set up with high indirect lighting will help to warm day temperature and encourage rapid rooting.

Fertilize: Starter fertilization can begin at 75 to 100 PPM and increase to 150 - 200 PPM at root formation.

After root: After root initiation, stretch in propagation can be mitigated by the use of B-9 at 2500 PPM, and movement of cuttings to lower temperature and lower humidity environment.

More information: Should Interveinal chlorosis be present, review pH and hold pH to 5.8 to 6.2, avoid rising pH by use of acid fertilization. In addition review irrigation practices and allow drying to occur in between irrigations. During short day environment extend daylength to 14 hrs. Scheduling for rooting should be 4 weeks.

Environment: Environment is critical to good Dahlia growth after transplant. At transplant, transition the rooted cuttings into 5 - 6000 foot candle environment with night temperature at 62 degrees, slightly lower temperature and higher light compared to the propagation environment. Begin increased fertilization to 200 PPM.

After rooting: After rooting into final container, reduce irrigations and begin to dry slightly between irrigations. Temperature can again be lowered to 55 - 60 degree nights and high of 70 - 75 F degree day. Product can be moved to brighter light with 8000 ft candle as a target.

Use of extended lights: Dahlias require long daylength to flower, and lighting can be used to assure flowering under short day conditions. Recommendations include daylength extension to 14 to 16 hour days, starting lights at midnight and continuing to sunrise.

More information: Plan to pinch after root establishment in the final container. ( Normally 2 weeks after transplant.) (On Painter Dahlias , pinch to 2 nodes.) On vigorous varieties and after 1.5 inch shoot growth, PGRs can be used to control stretch, use of B-9 at 1500 to 2500 PPM. Also in vigorous varieties, late applications (After terminal flora bud formation) use of Bonzi at .25 to 1.0 have been reported to slow growth and allow flowering to continue. Use PGR recommendations as general guidelines.

CLEAN STOCK: Susceptibility of Dahlias to viruses are well known. Kientzler Dahlias come from Kientzler Innovaplant with commitment to unsurpassed clean record of production reliability.

Crop Scheduling: Painter and Mystic Series: Schedule 11 weeks after the Pinch. (Approximately 17 weeks from URC) Dreamy Series: Schedule 8 weeks after the Pinch. (Approximately 14 weeks from URC) (Note: Removal of the terminal Flower Bud can produce a broader spray presentation, and may add 7 to 10 days)