SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Seed To Bloom:
12-14 weeks
Starting Indoors:
Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last spring frost date. Keep at 65-70°F.
Starting Outdoors:
Direct sow at last frost date.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Dahlia 'Sunny Reggae' is a compact variety suitable for pots in areas with cooler summer weather, or at the front of borders. Pinch back tips when plants reach about 6-12" tall to encourage bushiness. Keep cutting for bouquets for continual bloom until frost. A week after frost dig up the tubers, if desired, (leaving 4" of stem) and store in some damp sand or peat moss in a cool location, such as a basement, and plant out next spring.
Watering Details:
Water regularly, 1" per week.
Soil pH:
Slightly acidic to neutral
Fertilizer:
Mix in 3" inches of compost prior to planting. If soil is poor, supplement with a bloom-boosting organic granular fertilizer.
Diseases & Pests:
Japanese beetles damage Dahlia foliage and flowers. Knock them off into a bucket of soapy water; this is best done early in the morning. Combat slugs by scattering crushed eggshells or iron phosphate slug bait pellets on the soil surrounding the plants. Prevent fungal problems with proper spacing in an area with good air circulation and excellent soil drainage.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Harvest when flowers are nearly to fully open; best cut in the cool of the morning.
