Dahlia Dahlia Happy Days Cream = 'Hdw79' (PBR) (Sin)

Water

The Dahlia 'Happy Days Cream' prefers consistent moisture and should be watered thoroughly to ensure deep watering, which promotes healthy root growth. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically amounts to 1 to 2 times per week, depending on weather conditions. Each watering session should provide enough water to penetrate the soil deeply without causing standing water. An average-sized dahlia may require about a gallon of water each time, although this can vary with plant size and environmental factors. Avoid overhead watering to prevent issues with mildew and diseases.

Light

Dahlias thrive best in full sun conditions, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Plant your 'Happy Days Cream' Dahlia in a location where it can enjoy abundant sunlight, away from tall trees or buildings that would create shade. Partial shade is acceptable, particularly in hotter climates, but full sun is ideal for vigorous growth and abundant blooms.

Temperature

Dahlia 'Happy Days Cream' performs optimally at temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate temperatures down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but freezing temperatures will damage or kill the plant. During the growing season, ensure that your Dahlia is not exposed to temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods, as excessive heat can stress the plant.

Pruning

Prune the Dahlia 'Happy Days Cream' to encourage bushier growth, promote larger flowers, and maintain a tidy appearance. Pinching out the growing tips once the plant reaches a height of 16 inches will result in more branching. Cut back spent blooms to prolong flowering and remove any damaged or diseased stems as needed. The best time for substantial pruning is in early spring before the growing season begins.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Dahlia Happy Days Cream prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. For optimal growth, use a mix of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss or well-rotted compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage. Amend the soil with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer before planting to provide essential nutrients.

Repotting

Dahlias, including the Dahlia Happy Days Cream, generally don't require frequent repotting and can be lifted and divided after several years when they become crowded. Repotting or dividing should be done during the dormant period, typically in the autumn or early spring, every 2 to 3 years to rejuvenate the plants and maintain vigorous growth.

Humidity & Misting

The Dahlia Happy Days Cream thrives in average humidity levels consistent with outdoor conditions but does not require specific humidity control when grown outdoors. Ensure good air circulation around the plants to maintain healthy foliage and reduce risks of fungal infections.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Use bright, indirect light and great potting mix.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sunny spot, amend soil, monitor moisture.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

The dahlia plant begins its life as a tuber, planted in the ground in late spring after the last frost. It sprouts shoots and forms a robust stem with leaves as it grows, benefiting from full sunlight and rich, well-drained soil. Throughout the summer, the dahlia produces large, showy flowers characteristic of the 'Happy Days Cream' cultivar, with creamy-white petals often exhibiting a gradient of color toward their tips. After the flowering period, which typically peaks in late summer to early fall, the plant begins to yellow and die back as temperatures drop. In regions with cold winters, the tubers are often dug up and stored in a cool, frost-free place to overwinter. In the following spring, the stored tubers can be replanted, completing the cycle and beginning new growth.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method for propagating the Dahlia 'Happy Days Cream' is by division. This typically occurs in the spring when the plant is beginning to emerge from dormancy and the tubers can be easily handled. The process involves gently digging up the clump of dahlia tubers after the last frost has passed. The tubers are then carefully separated, making sure that each division has at least one eye, or growth point. The divisions are then replanted at a depth of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in well-draining soil with the eyes pointing upwards. Dividing dahlias this way helps to maintain the vigor of the plants and ensures that each new plant will have the energy reserves it needs to grow successfully through the season.