Combo Chef: Chocolate Lover's Dream

Techni Growers in Warwick, N.Y., entered Chocolate Lover’s Dream in the fourth annual Kathy Pufahl Memorial Container Design Competition at Cornell University’s Bluegrass Lane Horticultural Research Facility this summer. This combo features contrasting colors with one large dahlia ‘Karma Chocolate’ and five 4 1/2-inch coleus ‘Pineapple Beauty’ in a 16-inch ceramic container.

Dahlia ‘Karma Chocolate’ from Gloeckner needs at least 14 hours of light. It grows best in a peat-based growing mix with a pH of 6.5-7.0, and avoid bark mixes. Keep medium moist but not soggy.

After planting, maintain temperatures of 62°F-68°F. Once established, keep day temperature at 68°F and night temperature at 62°F. Avoid frost damage. The first pinch occurs at planting and a second pinch typically is needed two to three weeks later. Growth regulators may be applied two weeks after a pinch.

Coleus ‘Pineapple Beauty’ requires moderate bright light and average night temperatures between 60°F-65°F. Maintain an evenly moist medium with a pH 6.0-6.5.

Feed with 200-250 parts per million nitrogen. Pinching is required and a growth regulator is optional.

For more: Techni Growers, (845) 986-5571; www.perennialplants.com.

Production

Dahlia ‘Karma Chocolate’: Use a peat-based mix; pH 6.5-7.0; avoid bark mixes; 68°F during the day and 62°F at night; avoid frost damage.

Coleus ‘Pineapple Beauty’: Moderate bright light; night temperatures of 60°F-65°F; pH 6.0-6.5; feed with 200-250 ppm nitrogen.

- Kelli Rodda

Recipe

a. Dahlia ‘Karma Chocolate’

b. Coleus ‘Pineapple Beauty’

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July 2008