This document provides information on several series of dahlias and hibiscus cuttings produced and sold by Bosgraaf Greenhouses, including the history of the company and breeding programs that developed the plant varieties. It details the cultural requirements and sales opportunities for the Dahlietta, Gallery, Melody, Karma, Happy Single, Happy Days, and Dark Angel dahlia series, as well as the Sunny Cities hibiscus.

1. The Dahlia Series Presented by Operating Owner Bob Van Sprange

2. History of Bosgraaf Greenhouses Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. was begun in 1955 by Bert and Gladys Bosgraaf. Through the years, a large variety of plants has been grown from bedding plants to cut flowers, and azaleas to other potted flowering plants and foliage. The present owners, Bob & Edie Van Sprange, purchased the business from Edie’s parents in 1978, and have made the propagation of plant material the main focus. The Dahlietta, Gallery, Melody, Karma, Happy Single, Happy Days, and Dark Angel Dahlia series are shipped as cuttings throughout the United States and Canada. Sunny Cities Hibiscus has become a very important part of the cutting production in the last ten years. Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc., is fortunate to have the third generation of family, with Joe and Jaime Van Sprange, and Kate Van Sprange, involved and committed to producing outstanding propagated cuttings of dahlias and hibiscus.

3. History of Bosgraaf Greenhouses Facilities Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. rebuilt and expanded in 1981 and 1985. In 1985 a complete wide span, tempered glass greenhouse was purchased in the Netherlands and shipped to Michigan. It included a double heat-shade curtain system, hot water boilers, computerized burners and a waste flue heat condenser. In addition it has a separate area for root zone propagation and another area for stock plants or finished plants with ebb and flow bench watering.

4. History of Bosgraaf Greenhouses Four additional glass ranges were built in 1992, 1995, 1998, and in 2002. Each range was built with a specific plant in mind for propagation and stock management. Ebb and flow bench watering continues to be used exclusively for watering. These areas are heated with hot water from very efficient low mass boilers in two separate boiler rooms. High intensity lights are used throughout our facilities for supplemental light and photo-period length of day manipulation.

5. History of Bosgraaf Greenhouses A specially built glass range was built in 2001/2002 for hibiscus stock management and propagation. The range also has double heat/shade curtains with a low mass boiler system. All upper and lower heat pipe was done by us using a press fit Victalic system. This system was also used in our 1992,1995 and 1998 glass ranges. A Q – Com environmental system has been used to monitor and manage heating, cooling and humidity.

6. Dahlia Series History Dahlietta Dahlia Series The Dahlietta dahlia is one of the first vegetatively produced series that began to popularize and introduce dahlias to gardeners. It’s strengths are self branching, unique colors and flower forms. The Dahlietta Series showcases bright, solid colors, as well as blended and bi-colors, all of which are fully double and perform well all season long in landscape and patio plantings. Great for pots, beds and baskets. Nineteen shades are available through US and Canadian brokers. DahliettaTessy Red Dahlietta Sunburst Bi-color Yellow/Red Dahlietta Rachel Orange

7. Dahlia Series History Gallery Dahlia The Gallery Series of dahlia was developed by brothers Aad and KeesVerwer, dahlia growers since 1964. In that year, they started their own breeding program with the objective of developing healthy varieties that were attractive, would have an extended flowering period and would produce full and strong blooms. This objective was finally reached in the Gallery series. Gallery dahlias grow compactly (10”-12”) being genetically short stemmed, are free flowering and long lasing, while blooming for a 3-5 month period. Twenty –fourshades of color are available in this series, including several bi-colors and blends. These very versatile plants are wonderful in outdoor beds, patio pots, deck and balcony planters and window boxes. They also work well in combination pots or plantings. The consumer can keep the Gallery dahlia in the home as a flowering plant for 4-5 weeks before bringing it outside and enjoying beautiful blooms until frost. This series sets the benchmark for outstanding variety, growth and beauty! Pinto La Tour Valentin

8. Dahlia Series History Melody Dahlia The Melody series of tuberous-type dahlias was bred by the same breeders as the Gallery Dahlias. This series is best suited for 7”-12” pots. It well suited for larger pots, landscape applications or garden cut flowers. There are 12 varieties from which to choose.

9. Dahlia Series History Karma Dahlia The Karma Dahlia Series was developed by the Verwer Brothers who also introduced the Gallery Dahlia series. The Karma series is a cut flower series that has a vase life of 8-10 days. These dahlias can be harvested when the flower is 1/3 -1/2 open and showing color. Eighteen different shades are now offered including several bi-colors and outstanding blends. Some Karma dahlias are being grown in pots, but outside. 95% of Karmas are grown for cut flower production both outside and in greenhouses.

10. Dahlia Series History Happy Single The Happy Single dahlia is a bronze leaf tuberous-type series from the breeders of the Gallery, Melody and Karma dahlias. Happy Single dahlias bloom profusely and have many single anemone type flowers. They can be used in pots, in landscape applications and for borders. They are especially popular in English gardens. Nine bright colors are offered with more to follow.

11. Dahlia Series History Happy Days This series is very even in height and finishes very similar to the Gallery Series. It has bronze foliage with numerous anemone type flowers. Growers use this series with Gallery Dahlias in a program to finish in 6” or 1 gallon pots. This series currently has 5 varieties.

12. Dahlia Series History Dark Angel These dahlias were developed by the same breeders of the Gallery, Karma, Melody, and Happy Single Dahlia series. There are eight unique colors of Dark Angels, all of which are bronze-leafed and more compact than the Happy Single Dahlia. They also have “anemone type” flowers.

13. Selling points of our 7 series of dahlias 2011-2012

14. Dahlietta Dahlia Choose from 19 shades or colors We plant all the varieties with 2 – 3 plantings Most growers choose from the 19 varieties and use colors blends Some colors sell better in certain parts of the U.S. or Canada.

15. The Dahlietta Dahlia A profitable series for spring sales: A growers perspective on finished Dahlietta DahliettaTessy Red Dahlietta Sunburst Bi-color Yellow/Red Return per square foot is based on: 4”, 4.5” 5” pots Spacing Excellent self-branching characteristics Quickest cultivar to flower Best series in color selection and number of colors Finish time Dahlietta Rachel Orange Dahlietta Violet Frost Bi-color Violet Dahlietta Wendy Pink

16. Return per square foot is based on a simple cookbook and cost effective growing. All dahlia are planted by burying a set of leaves to firm up the plant. Mum lighing ( 40 watt bulbs ) must be used to extend the day to 14 hours which keeps all dahlias vegetative or growing. A 65 – 68 degree F day/night average temperature keeps dahlias growing and roots forming. Feed dahlias moderately Most growers use little or no growth regulator. A fungicide should be considered when planting early season. Late spring replanting with Dahlietta gives another quick turn-probably the only series that can finish so well and quickly.

17. Tips for growing Dahlias - 2012 All dahlias need 14 hours of day length to grow and stay vegetative. Low temperatures can cause dahlias to grow very little, if at all. Using a fungicide drench as a preventive. Combating powdery mildew and botrytis. Feed moderately Height control Summary: good growing means evaluating plants & conditions daily.

19. Rooted Cuttings

27. The Gallery Dahlia Series Growing for spring , summer and fall: a growers perspective on an opportunity for sales and profit The best dahlia series by far for 6” or 1 gallon finishing. Tuberous breeding enables the grower to finish plants for spring, summer and fall sales. Garden performance is outstanding for those 3 seasons. The Gallery tuberous dahlia will flower over a 5 to 7 monthperiod until the 1st frost in the fall. Excessive heat can decrease the amount of flower of many cultivars including the Gallery dahlia. But, the Gallery tuberous dahlia will out perform any other dahlia series over this time frame. Leaf expansion, finished height, flower size, and bright colors 10” to 14” above the 6” pot give eye appeal and add value.

28. The Gallery Dahlia Series 24 gallery varieties of eye-popping color- wow!! We use all 24 varieties Most growers choose from the 24 varieties Some colors sell better in certain parts of the U.S. Or Canada New for 2012: Matisse purple ( see 12 page brochure )

30. Feed dahlias moderately

31. Use Bonzito control growth. Check height 2 to 3 weeks after planting.

32. Grow and place varieties by height

39. Creative uses for Gallery Dahlias

47. The Melody Dahlia series

48. The Melody Dahlia Culture Sheet Order information – Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. 2011-2012 Melody dahlias are available as a rooted 72 cell pac liner or as an unrooted cutting.The finish time is about 8-9 weeks from pinching.

49. The Melody Dahlia Culture Sheet Marketing The Melody Dahlia series is a great series for finishing in larger patio(decorative) pots, garden settings and for cut flower bouquets. Soil Use a well drained, sterilized planting medium, PH 6.5 – 7. The medium should not contain bark. Planting: Fungicide drench: Pinch cuttings when potting, leaving 2 sets of leaves but sinking 1 set of leaves into the soil. Generally a single pinch produces 3-4 breaks and a good finished plant. Plant rooted cuttings into pre-watered pots and bury the first set of leaves. A fungicide drench is always a good preventative, especially for pythium.

50. The Melody Dahlia Culture Fertilization & Watering Dahlias require that the planting medium stays moist, but not wet. Week 1-5 the E.C. can be maintained for around 0.6. The next 4 weeks can beslightly higher, at 0.7 –1.0 E.C. Osmocote 14-14-14 can be incorporated into the soil at a rate of 4-6 lb per cubic yard. Constant liquid feed can be used at 175-225 ppm alternating 20-10-20 and 15-0-15. A combination can be used with a multi-headed injector with 20-10-20, 15-0-15 and 20-35 ppm magnesium totaling 175-200 ppm. Temperature – Humidity Ideal growing temperatures range from 66-70 degrees during the day and 65 – 68 degrees at night. Temperatures above 80 degrees can delay flowering – shading may be necessary. Humidity levels range from 60% to a high of 86%.

51. The Melody Dahlia Culture Light Conditions: Grow dahlias with a maximum amount of available light with a minimum of 2000 footcandles. If low light conditions persist, 400 footcandles of HID lighting can be added. Flowering – Photo Period Requirements: Long days are needed for quality dahlia vegetative growth and timely buddevelopment. A 14 hour day is required to keep dahlias vegetative. Use mum lighting. Spacing Requirements Spacing allows more air movement and helps prevent fungal andstretching problems.

52. The Melody Dahlia Culture Pest & Disease Prevention: Thrip, mite, aphid and whitefly are potential pests. Effective control can be used using Marathon, Avid, Maverik, Thiodan, Talstar,Orthene,Tame, Decathlon and Duraguard. A fungicide spray in combination with an insecticide spray is recommended. Zyban, Heritage and Compass can be used as preventative. Use of Growth Regulators for Height Control The grower should evaluate growth at 2-3 weeks after pinching. 15-45 ppm of Bonzican be used as a spray. Bolero and Dixie can be controlled withlower amounts of Bonzi spray. A Bonzidrench of 5-8 ppm can be used on varieties other than those in #2 at approximately 3 weeks after pinch.

53. The Melody Dahlia Culture Success is many things, but especially: Good light levels 14 hours of day length – use mum lighting Average day – night temperature of 65-70 degreees Moderate fertility levels A preventive drench and spray program Variety: Name – color – flower size – height Allegro – watermelon-red– 4”-14”-18” Allegro Pink – soft pink – 4”-14”18” Bolero – scarlet – 3.5”-14”-16” Dixie – lilac w/cream center – 3.5”-14”-18” Dora – orange/red w/yellow center – 5”-16”-20” Fanfare – dark purple – 4”-14”-18” Gypsy – pink & white blend – 5”-16”-20” Harmony – soft lavender w/bronze foliage – 4” – 14” – 18” Latin – yellow – 4”-14”-18” Lisa – rose pink – 4”-14”-16” Mambo – dark red – 4”-14”-18” Swing – copper orange – 4”-14”-18”

54. The Karma Cut Flower Dahlia

55. The Karma Cut Flower Dahlia Historical Perspective and Development The Karma Dahlia series was developed by brothers Aad and KeesVerwer, dahlia growers since 1964 and developers of the Gallery Dahlia series. Their main objectives were to develop healthy varieties that were attractive, had an extended flowering period and would produce full, strong flowers that kept well. This objective was achieved with the Karma series which has a vase-life of 8-10 days. Cuttings are produced from tissue cultured stock and are free of virus. These cuttings produce an unusually large number of stems per square meter. The Karma Dahlia is a patented series and cannotbe propagated.

56. The Karma Cut Flower Dahlia Order information – Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. 2011-2012 Karma dahlias are available as a 72 cell liner or as an unrooted cutting.

57. The Karma Cut Flower Dahlia Planting & Pinching Plant January 1 through March 31 in a heated greenhouse, or outside after danger of frost is past. After planting, pinch and leave 3-4 sets of leaves which will give 4-6 breaks. Plant 9 plants per 1 square meter, staggering 3 x 3 x 3. Dahlia beds should be approximately 3 feet wide with an 18” walkway between beds. Many growers use netting for plant support and a fence for a wind-break. Drip irrigation can be used very effectively. Growing and Harvesting Suggestions Many growers stagger initial pinching to give a continual harvest. Stems can be harvested 7-9 weeks after pinch. Always cut just above the node. Stem length can vary from 12” – 20”. The stem can be cut when the flower shows color and is halfway (or less) open. Stems must be put in water with a post harvest additive. This treatment delays leaf yellowing in the vase and keeps better flower quality. Cut flowers should be stored at a post harvest temperature of 40-42 degrees F.

58. The Karma Cut Flower Dahlia Stem Production Greenhouse: a minimum of 160 stems to 200 stems can be harvested per square meter. Cool house: about 110-140 stems per square meter can be harvested Outside: approximately 80-100 stems per square meter. Stock plants gradually lose production numbers and should be replaced with new tissue cultured cuttings. Fertilization and Watering As the plant grows and adds foliage, water more frequently. A balanced fertilizer seems to be a good approach: 15-15-15 or 20-20-20 (150-200 ppm) The pH of the soil is best maintained at about 6.5. Please no bark. Pest & Disease Prevention Thrip, whitefly and aphid can be controlled with Avid, Talstar, Safari, Orthene and Tame. Pythium root rot – watch overwatering and drainage. Botrytis and powdery mildew – Zyban, Strike, Heritage and Compass.

59. The Karma Cut Flower Dahlia Light Levels, Photoperiod and Temperature Grow Karma with higher light levels at cooler times of the year. Some shading is required for inside production during higher temperature periods. Dahlias require 14 hours of daylight for vegetative growth. Extend with mum lighting. Karma Dahlia stem production is best achieved with temperatures above 67 degrees F. Shorter days, which require extended lighting to keep plants vegetative, also require nighttime temperatures above 65 degrees F.

60. The Karma Cut Flower Dahlia Variety - name – color **denotes new for 2012

66. Happy Days Dahlia This series is new for 2011-2012. It is somewhat similar to the Happy Single series in that it is bronze leaf with anemone type flowers. The Happy Days series finishes more evenly and is generally the finish height of the Gallery Dahlia series. Many growers use the Gallery and Happy Days together for a 6” / 1 gallon program. Both series also compliment each other for Mothers’ Day sales, finishing in 8” – 10” pots, with 2-3 cuttings per pot. The Happy Days series flowers heavily and continuously and are extremely well branched. More colors will be added in 2013.

67. Happy Days Dahlia Order information – Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. 2011-2012 Happy Days’ dahlias are available as a rooted 72 cell pac liner or as an unrooted cutting. The finish time is about 7-9 weeks from pinching.

68. Happy Days Dahlia Variety Name – color – flower size – height Happy Days Pink – pink – 3” – 12” Happy Days Puple – purple – 3” – 10” Happy Days Red – red – 3” -10” Happy Days White – white – 3” – 12” Happy Days Yellow – yellow – 3” – 12”

69. Happy Days Dahlia Soil Use a well drained, sterilized planting medium,PH 6.5 – 7. The medium should not contain bark. Planting: Fungicide drench Pinch cuttings when potting, leaving 2 sets of leaves. Generally a single pinch produces 3-4breaks and a good finished plant. Dibble rooted cuttings into pre-watered pots and bury 1 set of leaves to firm up the plant. A fungicide drench is always a good preventative, especially for pythium.

70. Happy Days Dahlia Fertilization & Watering Dahlias require that the planting medium stays moist, but not wet. Week 1-5 the E.C. can be maintained for around 0.6. The next four weeks can be slightly higher. Osmocote 14-14-14 can be incorporated into the soil at a rate of 4-6 pounds per cubic yard. Constant liquid feed can be used at 200 ppm with 20-10-20 alternating with 15-0-15. A combination feed of using a multi-headed injector with 20-10-20, 15-0-15 and 20-35 ppmmagnesium. Potassium nitrate can be used to build stocky stems at 200 ppm. Temperature – Humidity Ideal growing temperatures range from 67-70 degrees during the day and 65-70degrees at night. Temperatures above 90 degrees F can delay flowering – shading may be necessary. Humidity levels range from 60% to a high of 85%.

71. Happy Days Dahlia Light Conditions Grow Dahlias with a maximum amount of available light with a minimum of 2000 footcandles. If low light conditions persist, 400 footcandles of HID lighting can be added. Flowering – Photo Period Requirements Long days are needed for quality Dahlia vegetative growth and timely bud development. A 14 hour day is required to keep Dahlias vegetative. Use mum lighting. Spacing Requirements Spacing allows more air movement and helps prevent fungal and stretching problems.

72. Happy Days Dahlia Pest & Disease Prevention Thrip, mite, aphid and whitefly are potential pests. Effective control can be used using Marathon, Avid, Maverik, Thiodan, Talstar, Orthene, Tame, and Decathlon and Duraguard. Use of Dursaban and Vydate can cause leaf burn. A fungicide spray in combination with an insecticide spray is recommended (Zyban, Heritage, and Compass). Use of Growth Regulators for Height Control The grower should evaluate growth at 2 – 3 weeks after pinching. Warmer weather will be a factor in the amount of growth the plant is making. Use 15 – 30 ppm of Bonzi can be used as a spray when needed. Height control is similar to Gallery Dahlia.

74. Failure to do so causes dahlias to form tubers, flower profusely and shut down growth and growing dormant.

76. Initial temperatures are key to plant growth and development.

78. Changes in the amount of light or swings in daytime temperatures can contribute to conditions causing fungal and mildew problems (humidity, temperature, and light levels).

79. Use a fungicide spray with an insecticide spray to help with prevention.Feed moderately = 100 ppm of 20-10-20, 75 ppm of 15-0-15, 25 ppm mag.(200 ppm) Height control: most growers are using bonzi as a spray or drench. Every series is different – see culture sheet for detail. Summary: good growing means evaluating plants & conditions daily.

80. The Happy Single Dahlia

81. Background Information The Happy Single Dahlia This new bronze leaf dahlia series is a tuberous type from the breeders of the Gallery, Melody, and Karma dahlias. The ‘Happy Single’ dahlias bloom profusely and have many ‘Happy Single’ anemone type flowers. They can be sold in 6" to 12" pots, used in landscaping and for borders. Nine colors are offered with more to follow. Your customers will enjoy these beautiful flowers with contrasting bronze foliage.

82. The Happy Single Dahlia Order information – Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. 2011-2012 Happy Single dahlias are available as a 72 cell liner or as an unrooted cutting.

83. The Happy Single Dahlia Planting: Fungicide drench Pinch cuttings when potting, leaving 2 sets of leaves. Generally a single pinch produces 3-4 breaks and a good finished plant. A second pinch may be necessary. Dibble rooted cuttings into pre-watered pots and bury 1 set of leaves to firm up the plant. A fungicide drench is always a good preventative, especially for pythium. Fertilization & Watering Dahlias require that the planting medium stays moist, but not wet. Week 1-5 the E.C. can be maintained for around 0.6. The next four weeks can be slightly higher. Osmocote 14-14-14 can be incorporated into the soil at a rate of 4-6 pounds per cubic yard. Constant liquid feed can be used at 175 – 200 ppm with 20-10-20 or 15-0-15. A combination feed of using a multi-headed injector with 20-10-20, 15-0-15 and 20-35 ppm magnesium. Potassium nitrate can be used to build stocky stems at 200 ppm.

84. The Happy Single Dahlia Temperature – Humidity Ideal growing temperatures range from 67-70 degrees during the day and 65-70 degrees at night. Temperatures above 90 degrees can delay flowering – shading may be necessary. Humidity levels range from 60% to a high of 85%. Light Conditions Grow Dahlias with a maximum amount of available light with minimum of 2000 footcandles. If low light conditions persist, 400 footcandles of HID lighting can be added. Flowering – Photo Period Requirements Long days are needed for quality Dahlia vegetative growth and timely bud development. A 14 hour day is required to keep Dahlias vegetative. Use mum lighting.

85. The Happy Single Dahlia Spacing Requirements Spacing allows more air movement and helps prevent fungal and stretching problems. Pest & Disease Prevention Thrip, mite, aphid and whitefly are potential pests. Effective control can be used using Marathon, Avid, Maverik, Thiodan, Talstar, Orthene, Tame, Decathlon, and Duraguard. Use of Dursaban and Vydate can cause leaf burn. A fungicide spray in combination with an insecticide spray is recommended (Zyban, Heritage, and Compass). Use of Growth Regulators for Height Control The grower should evaluate growth at 2-3 weeks after pinching. 15-45 ppm of Bonzi can be used as a spray on shorter varieties like First Love, Romeo, and Juliet. 3-7 ppm of Bonzi as a drench can be used on the more vigorous varieties such as Flame and Kiss and 5-10 ppm on Party, Date, and Wink.

86. The Happy Single Dahlia Tips for Growing Dahlias – 2012 1. All dahlias need 14 hours of day length to grow and stay vegetative. Growers must extend the day with mum lighting to 14 hours. Failure to do so causes dahlias to form tubers, flower profusely and shut down growth and become dormant. Bury 1 set of leaves which helps firm up the plant as it grows. 2. Low temperatures can cause dahlias to grow very little if at all. Day and night temperatures of 65 F. Keeps dahlias growing. We use 68 F. as the bench mark to keep roots moving and vegetative forming. Initial temperatures are key to plant growth and development. Low temperatures can also cause roots to remain wet and contribute to root rot and other fungal diseases. 3. Using a fungicide drench as a preventive. November - February plantings (and later) of dahlia must consider a fungicide at planting or within 5 to 7 days.

87. The Happy Single Dahlia 4. Combating powdery mildew and botrytis. Powdery mildew and botrytis need to be considered even when recommended temperatures and conditions are followed. Changes in the amount of light or swings in daytime temperatures can contribute to conditions causing fungal and mildew problems (humidity, temperature and light levels). Use a fungicide spray with an insecticide spray to help with prevention. 5. Feed moderately = 100 ppm of 20-10-20, 75 ppm of 15-0-15, 25 ppm mag.(200 ppm) 6. Height control: most growers are using bonzi as a spray or drench. Every series is different – see color sell sheets for detail. 7. Summary: Good growing means evaluating plants and conditions daily.

88. The Happy Single Dahlia Variety Name – color – flower size – height First Love – apricot – 3" – 10" – 12“ Romeo – Red – 3" – 10" – 12“ Juliet – rose pink – 3" – 12" to 14“ Party – yellow – 3" – 14" – 16“ Date – bi-color peach – 3" – 14" – 16” Kiss – bi-color light pink – 3" – 14" – 16“ Flame – red with yellow center – 3" – 10" – 12“ Wink – pink with magenta center – 3" – 14" – 16“ Princess – white – 3” - 14” – 16” (new for 2012)

89. Happy Happy Single SingleSee how they smile!

90. Dark Angel Dahlia Series The Dark Angels Dahlia Series – Bosgraaf Greenhouses, Inc. These dahlias were developed by the same breeders of the Gallery, Melody, Karma and Happy Single Dahlia series. The Dark Angels are bronze-leafed and more compact than the Happy Single dahlia. They also have “anemone type” flowers.

91. Dark Angel Dahlia Series Order Information – 2011-2012

92. Dark Angel Dahlia Series Variety names and Colors 1. American Pie – soft pink 2. Braveheart – purple 3. Dracula – bright red 4. Dragon Ball – cream with red center 5. Pretty Woman – dark pink 6. Pulp Fiction – orange with yellow center 7. Star Wars – orange 8. Taxi Driver – yellow Uses Used in pots, garden and landscape plantings! They are spectacular!

93. General Information Very dark leaves giving an outstanding contrast with flowers Profuse and continuous blooming Pot sizes are from 4.5” - 1 plant, 6” - 1 plant, 7”-8” - 2 plants, 10” – 3-4 plants Pinching is NOT recommended. Flowering is generally 10-14 days earlier without a pinch. Do not overfeed. A constant feed of 150 ppm with an EC of 1.0 or less is best.A blended or alternating feed of 15-0-15, magnesium and 20-10-20 totaling 150 ppmworks well. Growers must extend the daylight to 14 hours of continuous daylight using mum lighting or highintensity lighting. Stop when daylight reaches 14 hours naturally. Growing temperatures are best between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Dark Angel Dahlia Series

94. Dark Angel Dahlia Series Use Bonzias a spray for height control. Use 15 – 45 ppm depending on lightlevels, feeding, program, and temperature. Generally speaking, the Dark Angels can be grown in 6” or 1 gallonor larger containers with very little, if any, growthretardant. The exception is Star Wars, whichis slightly more aggressive but a beautiful color. This variety might need a Bonzispraystarting 2 weeks after planting. Summer programs are ideal for this series. Use a spray routine with insecticide that is similar to New Guinea impatiens. Cuttings are produced from elite virus indexed stock plants. Light conditions: Grow Dark Angels with a maximum amount of available lightwith a minimum of 2000 footcandles. If low light conditions persist, 400 footcandlescan be added. Photo period requirements: long days are needed for quality dahlia vegetative growthandtimely bud development. A 14 hour day is required to keep dahlias vegetative. Use mum lighting.

95. Spraying program for Dahlietta/Gallery type Dahlias **Always try a small group of plants before spraying!!**

96. 1st Time Grower of Dahlias: A Recommendation of Varieties We grow and finish all of the Dahliettas and Gallery for our spring series, but for first time growers, we recommend these 6 out of 19 (Dahlietta) and 7 out of 24 (Gallery). Both mixes provide a variety of colors and are some of our top sellers.

97. Contact Address: 4120 Van Buren Street Hudsonville, MI 49426 Phone: 616-669-1106 Fax: 616-669-5656 Email: bobvs@bosgraafgr.com www.bosgraafgr.com

98. The End