Dahlia ‘Happy Hour’ is a vibrant and popular choice for gardeners, known for its striking blooms and relatively straightforward care. This guide details how to cultivate this dahlia variety successfully.
Meet Dahlia Happy Hour
Dahlia ‘Happy Hour’ features large, fully double, ball-type blooms, typically 4 to 6.5 inches in diameter. These flowers display a beautiful blend of rosy pink hues, often with hints of yellow or cerise. The plant reaches a mature height of 2 to 4 feet. ‘Happy Hour’ dahlias bloom prolifically from mid-summer until the first frost, providing continuous color. Their robust stems make them well-suited for both garden displays and cut flower arrangements.
Planting Dahlia Happy Hour
Successful planting of Dahlia ‘Happy Hour’ begins with proper timing and site selection. Plant tubers in spring, after the last frost and when soil temperatures consistently reach at least 60°F (15°C). Planting too early in cold, wet soil can lead to tuber rot. Dahlias require full sun, needing a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for abundant blooms and strong stems. In hot climates, afternoon shade can prevent scorching.
The soil should be fertile and well-draining, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Improve soil structure and fertility by incorporating 2 to 3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure before planting. Dig a hole 4 to 6 inches deep and place the tuber horizontally with the “eye” facing upwards, covering it so the top is about 4 inches below the surface. Space tubers 12 to 24 inches apart for air circulation and plant spread. After planting, avoid watering until the first green shoots appear to prevent tuber rot.
Caring for Dahlia Happy Hour
Consistent care is important for Dahlia ‘Happy Hour’ to flourish throughout the growing season. Once shoots emerge, deep water one to three times per week, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Deep watering, reaching 8-10 inches into the soil, is more effective than light watering. Daily watering may be necessary in hot, dry periods or for container plants.
Fertilization supports vigorous growth and prolific blooming. Mix a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil at planting, and apply a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer monthly or as a slow-release formula. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which encourage leafy growth over flowers. Pinch back the central stem when the plant reaches 8 to 12 inches tall by snipping out 3 to 4 inches of the growing center. This promotes bushier growth and increased flower production.
Due to their height and large blooms, ‘Happy Hour’ dahlias often require staking. Place stakes, such as bamboo or metal rods, at planting time to avoid damaging tubers. Add ties as the plant grows to support developing stems and flowers. Regular deadheading encourages continuous new blooms until frost.
Troubleshooting Common Dahlia Happy Hour Issues
Dahlia ‘Happy Hour’ may face common issues. Pests like aphids and slugs can affect plants. Manage aphids with insecticidal soap or by rinsing them off with water. Deter slugs with baits or physical barriers.
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew can appear, especially in humid conditions or with poor air circulation. Prevent these by ensuring adequate plant spacing and avoiding overhead watering. Apply fungicidal sprays if powdery mildew develops.
A lack of blooms can stem from several factors. Insufficient sunlight (less than 6 hours daily) is a common cause. Over-fertilization with high-nitrogen products can also lead to lush foliage but few flowers. Inconsistent watering or extreme heat can stress the plant, reducing bloom production.
Winterizing Dahlia Happy Hour
In colder climates, Dahlia ‘Happy Hour’ tubers need to be lifted and stored for winter. Begin this process after the first hard frost causes foliage to die back. Allowing tubers to remain in the ground for one to two weeks after this frost helps them cure for storage.
Before digging, cut stems back to 4 to 6 inches above ground. Carefully dig around the plant, at least 12 inches from the stem, to avoid damaging tubers. A garden fork is preferred over a shovel to minimize accidental cuts.
Once lifted, gently brush off excess soil. Inspect tubers for disease or damage, discarding questionable ones. Some gardeners prefer to wash the tubers, while others leave the soil on. After cleaning, dry tubers for several days to weeks in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area, turning occasionally.
Store dried tubers in a cool, dark, dry location between 40°F and 50°F (4°C and 10°C), such as a basement or unheated closet. Store them in peat moss, sawdust, vermiculite, or newspaper-lined boxes, ensuring good air circulation to prevent rot.