Dahlia ‘Happy Days Red’ is a stunning single-flowering dahlia that showcases vibrant red blooms against contrasting dark foliage. With a compact growth habit, reaching around 60cm in height, this variety is perfect for borders, containers, and cut flower arrangements. Flowering from midsummer to autumn, Dahlia ‘Happy Days Red’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, providing long-lasting colour to any garden.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: The ideal time to plant Dahlia ‘Happy Days Red’ is in spring once the risk of frost has passed. This allows the tubers to establish strong roots before the blooming season.
After the Last Frost: If planting young plants rather than tubers, wait until all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Dahlia ‘Happy Days Red’ thrives in full sun. Choose a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day for the best flowering results.
Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil is essential for Dahlia ‘Happy Days Red’. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, amend it with compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width of the tuber or root ball and deep enough to accommodate the plant comfortably.
Soil Preparation: Incorporate organic matter such as compost to enhance soil fertility and drainage.
Planting the Dahlia: If planting tubers, position them with the eye (growth point) facing upward, covering them with around 5cm of soil. For potted plants, ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly to settle the soil and encourage root establishment.
Watering Requirements
During Growth: Once established, Dahlia ‘Happy Days Red’ requires regular watering. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry periods.
Avoid Overwatering: Excessive moisture can cause root rot, so ensure good drainage and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Feeding
Early Growth: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks once new shoots appear.
Mid-Summer Boost: To encourage continuous flowering, switch to a high-potassium fertilizer, such as a tomato feed, to support bloom production.
Pruning and Deadheading
Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers from Dahlia ‘Happy Days Red’ to prolong blooming and encourage fresh growth.
End of Season Pruning: Once the first frosts arrive, cut back the foliage to ground level to prepare the plant for winter dormancy.
Mulching and Winter Care
Mulching in Spring and Summer: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of Dahlia ‘Happy Days Red’ to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature.
Winter Protection: In colder regions, lift the tubers after the first frost, allow them to dry, and store them in a frost-free place over winter. If left in the ground, cover with a thick layer of mulch for protection.
Supporting the Plant
Staking: Although compact, Dahlia ‘Happy Days Red’ benefits from light staking in exposed locations to prevent wind damage.
Final Tips
By planting Dahlia ‘Happy Days Red’ in a sunny, well-drained location and following this care guide, you will enjoy a vibrant display of red flowers from midsummer to autumn. This low-maintenance dahlia is perfect for borders, containers, and cut flower arrangements, making it a stunning addition to any garden. With regular feeding, watering, and deadheading, Dahlia ‘Happy Days Red’ will reward you with continuous, eye-catching blooms all season long.
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