Dahlia Dahlia 'Dikara Superb' (D)
ABOUT
The Dahlia 'Dikara Superb' is a strikingly beautiful flowering plant known for its vibrant and showy blossoms. The flowers are the primary focal point, with their large and intricate layers of petals that often come in a blend of rich colors such as reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a fiery, warm effect. Each petal is typically broad and slightly curved, contributing to the full, lush appearance of the bloom. The petals themselves may have subtle gradations of color, ranging from deeper tones at the base to lighter tips, and they are arranged in a perfect geometric spiral that draws the eye inward to the heart of the flower. The center of the flower is usually a contrasting color, which can be a darker shade that highlights the bright petals. The foliage of the Dahlia 'Dikara Superb' is deep green, providing a dramatic backdrop to the brilliance of the flowers. The leaves are typically pinnate with pointed leaflets that have serrated edges, adding a delicate texture to the overall look of the plant. Together, the striking flowers and the lush green foliage make the Dahlia 'Dikara Superb' a favorite among gardeners and flower enthusiasts for its eye-catching and glorious display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Dahlia, Garden Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Dikara Superb'
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, including the variety 'Dikara Superb,' are not considered toxic to humans. They are actually edible, with tubers that can be eaten like a root vegetable, provided they haven't been treated with pesticides or other chemicals not intended for food crops. Ingesting dahlias typically does not cause poisoning or serious consequences for humans.
To pets
Dahlias, such as 'Dikara Superb,' are generally considered non-toxic to pets like cats and dogs. They are not known to contain substances that can cause severe poisoning or adverse health effects in pets. If a pet ingests a small amount of dahlia, it would likely not lead to any significant toxic response, but as with any non-food plant, ingestion could potentially result in mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea due to the irritation of the digestive tract.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Vibrant Blooms: Dahlia ‘Dikara Superb’ is known for its eye-catching, colorful flowers that add beauty to any garden space.
- Attracts Pollinators: The plant attracts beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which are vital for pollination and the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Long Blooming: Dahlias have a lengthy blooming period from midsummer to fall, providing consistent color and interest in the garden.
- Variety of Uses: They can be used in a range of garden designs, including borders, beds, and as cut flowers for indoor decoration.
- Easy to Grow: These plants are relatively easy to care for and can be cultivated even by novice gardeners with minimal effort.
- Propagates Easily: Dahlias can be easily propagated from tubers, cuttings, or seeds, allowing gardeners to expand their collection.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Subject: Dahlia 'Dikara Superb' offers vibrant colors and intricate petal patterns, making it an excellent subject for macro and botanical photography enthusiasts.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: The petals of the dahlia can be used as a biodegradable alternative to traditional paper confetti at celebrations, reducing environmental impact while adding a vibrant touch to any event.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists can draw inspiration from the structure and hues of the dahlia 'Dikara Superb' for paintings, textiles, and other creative projects.
- Natural Fabric Dyes: The rich color pigments in dahlia petals can be used to create natural dyes for coloring fabrics, yarns, or paper.
- Edible Garnishes: While not commonly known, dahlia petals are edible and can be used as a colorful garnish for salads and desserts to enhance their aesthetic appeal.
- Floral Arranging Workshops: The unique beauty of the dahlia 'Dikara Superb' makes it an ideal candidate for teaching floral design and arrangement techniques in educational workshops.
- Plant Structure Studies: The complex form of the dahlia can be studied by botany students to understand plant structure, symmetry, and reproduction.
- Decorative Potpourri: Dried dahlia petals can be added to potpourri mixtures for their shape and color, contributing to a visually appealing and fragrant home decor option.
- Theme Gardens: Dahlias can be the centerpiece of a thematic garden design, where its striking appearance can set the tone for a vibrant and lush garden space.
- Craft Projects: The sturdy petals of the dahlia 'Dikara Superb' can be used in various craft projects, including making paper flowers or embellishing handmade greeting cards.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dahlia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Commitment and Bond that Lasts Forever: Dahlias, with their stunning and elaborate petals, are often associated with a lifelong commitment and enduring bonds, making them a popular choice for wedding floral arrangements.
- Dignity and Elegance: Known for their sophisticated and structured geometry, dahlias exude a sense of dignity and elegance, paralleling the idea of staying graceful under pressure.
- Diversity and Uniqueness: With an extensive range of colors and forms, dahlias represent diversity and the celebration of individuality, encouraging people to embrace their unique qualities.
- Creativity Change and Transformation: Dahlias are symbols of change and transformation, due to their varied colors and patterns, they inspire creative thinking and highlight the constant flux in life.
- Inner Strength: The dahlia's robust structure and ability to bloom in a variety of conditions symbolize inner strength and the ability to thrive in challenging circumstances.
- Warning and Betrayal: In the Victorian language of flowers, dahlias can also represent instability or deceit, as their beauty can be deceiving, reminding one to remain cautious.
WaterDahlia 'Dikara Superb', commonly known as Dahlia, requires regular watering to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during the growing season. It's ideal to water Dahlias deeply once or twice a week, providing about 1 to 2 inches of water each time, which translates to approximately 0.5 to 1 gallons for each plant depending on the soil type and weather conditions. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases and try to water early in the morning to allow foliage to dry. During particularly hot or dry periods, you may need to water more frequently. Make sure the plant has good drainage as overly soggy soil can be detrimental.
LightDahlia 'Dikara Superb' thrives best in a location with full sun, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The ideal spot for this Dahlia would be one where it is shielded from the intense afternoon heat in hotter climates but still benefits from the morning's bright light. If the plant does not receive adequate sunlight, it may produce fewer blooms and have a leggy growth.
TemperatureDahlias prefer moderate temperatures and grow best when daytime temperatures are between 70°F and 85°F. Nighttime temperatures should ideally not drop below 60°F. They can survive minimum temperatures as low as 50°F but growth may be stunted. Dahlias are not frost-tolerant and temperatures below 32°F can damage or kill the plant. Providing the right temperature will ensure a robust, healthy plant with vibrant blooms.
PruningPruning your Dahlia plants encourages stronger stems, larger flowers, and more prolific blooming. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, should be done regularly to promote further blooming. Additionally, cutting back the plants by one-third in midsummer can lead to a surge in new growth and blooms. The best time for heavy pruning is early spring, just as the new shoots appear from the ground.
CleaningNot needed
SoilDahlias prefer a well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.0. A good mix for Dahlia 'Dikara Superb' would include a combination of loamy garden soil, peat moss, perlite, and compost to enrich the soil and provide necessary nutrients. Regular fertilization during the growing season will help the dahlia thrive.
RepottingDahlias, including 'Dikara Superb', typically need to be repotted annually. They are not winter hardy in colder climates, so their tubers should be lifted after the first frost and stored during winter. Replant the tubers in the spring after the last frost date in your area.
Humidity & MistingDahlias such as the 'Dikara Superb' do well in average humidity conditions. They do not require any special humidity adjustments and can tolerate the natural outdoor humidity levels found in most growing regions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, consistent moisture, and proper pot size.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, enrich soil, deadhead regularly, stake stems.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Dahlia 'Dikara Superb' begins its life cycle when a tuber is planted in the soil after the last frost of spring. The tuber sprouts and sends up shoots, which develop into stems and leaves as the plant enters the vegetative growth stage. As the dahlia matures, it enters the flowering stage, producing vibrant blooms that can last from midsummer until the first fall frost. After flowering, the plant sets seed, although many gardeners prefer to deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming and to prevent seed formation. When temperatures drop in autumn, the dahlia enters dormancy; the top growth dies back and the tuber can be left in the ground in warmer climates or dug up and stored in cooler areas to prevent freezing. The stored tubers are then replanted the following spring to repeat the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Dahlia 'Dikara Superb', commonly known as the Dahlia, is by division of its tubers. This process is typically done in the springtime, just before the growing season begins, when the plant is coming out of dormancy. To propagate by division, you first dig up the clump of tubers being careful not to damage them. You can then split them into sections, making sure that each division has at least one eye, which is a bud from which new growth will sprout. After cutting the tubers into divisions, allow the cut surfaces to dry and form a callous for a day or two to prevent rot. Finally, plant the tuber sections about 6 inches (15 cm) deep in well-draining soil, with the eyes facing upwards, and water them in. This method allows gardeners to expand their collection of Dahlias or rejuvenate older plants by giving them more space to grow.
