Dahlia Dahlia 'Geerlings Indian Summer' (S-c)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Geerlings Indian Summer' is a stunning variety of dahlias known for their vibrant and showy flowers. This particular cultivar boasts blooms that are characterized by their warm, rich colors. The petals usually exhibit a gradient of hues, transitioning from a deep, velvety red at the base to softer shades of orange and yellow towards the fringed edges, creating a flame-like effect. The flowers are large and have a semi-cactus form, which means the petals are somewhat tubular, with rolled or pointed tips that curve backward, giving the flower a somewhat spiky and striking appearance. This lends the blooms a fluffy, full look that is both intricate and eye-catching. The foliage of 'Geerlings Indian Summer' is deep green, with leaves that are pinnate, having multiple leaflets arranged on each side of a common axis. The leaves form a lush backdrop to the vivid flowers, accentuating their warm tones. The plant produces these captivating blooms from midsummer until the first frosts of autumn, offering a long season of interest. As a tuberous variety, it sprouts from underground storage organs that allow it to survive dormant through the colder months and regrow each year. The contrasting warm tones of the bloom paired with the rich green foliage make 'Geerlings Indian Summer' a favorite among gardeners looking to add a splash of color to their floral displays.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Geerling's Indian Summer Dahlia, Indian Summer Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Geerlings Indian Summer' (S-c).
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias are generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant toxins in Dahlia 'Geerlings Indian Summer' that would cause poisoning. Ingesting any part of the Dahlia is unlikely to have serious consequences, though as with any non-food plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
To pets
Dahlias, including the Dahlia 'Geerlings Indian Summer', are not known to be toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. While they are not poisonous, it's still possible for pets to experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of the plant, such as leaves or tubers. Symptoms could include vomiting or diarrhea, but serious poisoning is unlikely. If a pet consumes a large amount of the plant and exhibits signs of distress, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
4 feet [1.22 meters]
Spread
2 feet [0.61 meters]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Dahlia 'Geerlings Indian Summer' serves as a food source for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, helping to promote a healthy ecosystem.
- Visual Interest: Its stunning flame-like petals provide an eye-catching aesthetic that can enhance the beauty of any garden.
- Versatility in Landscaping: The plant is suitable for borders, containers, and as focal points in floral arrangements.
- Long Blooming Season: Dahlias are known for their long flowering period, providing color and vibrancy from summer until the first frosts of autumn.
- Cut Flower Use: The blooms are excellent for cutting and have a good vase life, making them perfect for indoor decoration.
- Easy Propagation: The tubers can be divided in spring to propagate new plants, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
- Variable Sizes: 'Geerlings Indian Summer' ranges in size, making it suitable for both small and large gardens.
- Color Variety: The warm and rich hues blend well with various garden palettes, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Encourages Gardening Skills: Growing dahlias like 'Geerlings Indian Summer' can be rewarding and help novice gardeners improve their horticultural skills.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dahlia petals can be used to create natural plant dyes for fabric, offering a range of colors from pinks to oranges depending on the mordant used.
- These plants are used as food for the dahlias' specific pollinators, like bees and butterflies, which in turn help pollinate other plants in the garden.
- The hollow stems of dahlias can be repurposed into tiny natural straws for small flower arrangements or craft projects.
- Dahlia blooms can be used in float bowls as a centerpiece for events, combining aesthetics with eco-friendly practices.
- The sturdy stems and foliage can be added to compost piles to enrich the compost with organic matter as they decompose.
- The complex geometry of dahlia flowers is sometimes studied and mimicked in art and design fields for pattern creation and inspiration.
- Floral waste from dahlias, like spent blooms and trimmings, can be turned into a natural mulch to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
- Their vibrant and diverse colors can be a source of inspiration for photographers and painters who capture the beauty of nature in their work.
- Dahlias can be planted as trap crops in gardens to lure pests away from other, more vulnerable plants.
- When dried, different parts of the plant, including the flowers, can be used in potpourri mixes for natural home fragrance solutions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dahlia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Change and Transformation: The Dahlia 'Geerlings Indian Summer', with its rich colors and elaborate petal arrangement, symbolizes the passage from one phase to another, reflecting personal growth and change in life.
- Diversity: The wide variety of dahlias, including the 'Geerlings Indian Summer', represents uniqueness and diversity, celebrating the different cultures and ideas that make up society.
- Elegance and Dignity: With its sophisticated bloom and stature, the dahlia is often associated with elegance and dignity, symbolizing a composed and graceful attitude.
- Commitment and a Strong Bond: Dahlias are often used to express sentiments of a long-lasting bond and commitment between two people, whether in friendships or romantic relationships.
- Wealth and Prosperity: The lush, full-bodied nature of the dahlia blossom is representative of wealth and prosperity, making it a common choice for celebrations that mark success and abundance.
WaterDahlias should be watered deeply and the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings to promote strong root growth. Generally, watering once or twice a week with about 1 to 2 gallons of water per plant is sufficient, depending on weather conditions and soil type. During peak summer heat, they may require more frequent watering. It's important to avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of fungal diseases, so water at the base of the plant. Use a soaker hose or a drip irrigation system to provide consistent moisture directly to the roots.
LightDahlias thrive in a location where they can receive full sunlight for at least six to eight hours a day. The best spot for a Dahlia 'Geerlings Indian Summer' is in a garden area that is exposed to direct sunlight during the majority of the day, avoiding heavy shade which can inhibit bloom production and lead to leggy plants.
TemperatureDahlias prefer a temperate climate with daytime temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures not falling below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive maximum temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure to higher heat can stress the plants. Dahlias are not frost-tolerant, and temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit may damage or kill the plant.
PruningPrune dahlias to encourage a bushier plant with more blooms and to maintain plant vigor. Pinch out the growing tip above the fifth set of leaves when the plant is about a foot tall. Throughout the growing season, deadhead spent flowers to encourage continual blooming. The best time for heavy pruning is in late autumn after the first frost, when dahlias are cut back to several inches above the ground level before storage or overwintering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Dahlia 'Geerlings Indian Summer' is a well-draining, fertile loam with added organic matter such as compost. The ideal pH for this Dahlia is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A blend of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or sand will facilitate proper drainage and support robust growth.
RepottingDahlias, including Dahlia 'Geerlings Indian Summer', should be repotted annually, generally after the last frost date when you're ready to move them outside. They are typically not grown as indoor houseplants but rather are planted each spring after the tubers are wintered over indoors in colder climates.
Humidity & MistingDahlias like 'Geerlings Indian Summer' prefer moderate humidity levels. Although they can tolerate a range of humidity conditions when grown outdoors, maintaining ambient humidity without making the foliage too wet is beneficial to their growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use bright, indirect light and keep soil moderately moist.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of a Dahlia 'Geerlings Indian Summer' begins when the tuber is planted in well-drained soil after the threat of frost has passed in spring. It sprouts and grows into a bushy plant, with the stem supporting the foliage and flowering heads throughout the summer and into early autumn. During its flowering stage, it produces vibrant, large blooms that continue until the first frost. As temperatures drop, the dahlia enters dormancy; the aerial parts of the plant die back, and the tuber remains underground where it overwinters. In regions with harsh winters, the tubers are often dug up and stored in a cool, frost-free place to prevent freezing. The following spring, the tubers are replanted, and the cycle begins anew with the emergence of new shoots.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Dahlia 'Geerlings Indian Summer' can be propagated by division, which is the most popular method for its propagation. Division is typically done in the spring just before the new growth begins. It involves digging up the tuberous roots of the plant after the foliage has died back and the soil has dried out. Care must be taken to ensure there is at least one eye or bud on each division. Divisions should be made using a clean, sharp knife to minimize damage and disease risk to the plant. After cutting, the tubers can be stored in a cool, dry place until the danger of frost has passed and they can be replanted. The depth at which the divided tubers should be replanted is approximately 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters), depending on the size of the tuber.
