Dahlia Dahlia 'Gitty Up' (Anem)

๐Ÿ‘ค Non-toxic to humans
๐Ÿพ Non-toxic to pets
๐ŸŒธ Blooming
๐Ÿช Not edible
โ€๐ŸŒฑ Hard-care
dahlia 'Gitty Up'

ABOUT

Dahlia 'Gitty Up' features a vibrant, eye-catching presence in the garden with its unique and ornate blooms. This variety showcases flowers that are distinctive due to their anemone formโ€”a central cluster of tubular petals surrounded by a ring of flatter ray petals. The central florets are typically more condensed and appear cushion-like, giving the impression of a floral pompon that is both whimsical and structured. The coloration of 'Gitty Up' is particularly striking, with the petals often displaying a blend of hues or a gradation from the center outwards, which may include shades of pink, red, orange, yellow, or even purple. The foliage of the plant is typically deep green, which serves as a vivid backdrop for the flamboyant blooms. The leaves are often pinnate with serrated edges, adding to the lush and full appearance of the plant. 'Gitty Up' dahlias produce stems that are sturdy enough to hold the weight of the large, elaborate flowers, and these can be seen prominently displayed above the foliage, providing an attractive vertical element to the garden display. This type of dahlia adds a pop of color and an element of sophistication to any floral arrangement or garden bed.

Plant Info
Care
Common Problems

About this plant

  • memoNames

    • Family

      Asteraceae

    • Synonyms

      Dahlia, Garden Dahlia

    • Common names

      Dahlia 'Gitty Up' (Anem).

  • skullToxicity

    • To humans

      Dahlias are not considered poisonous to humans. In fact, the tubers of some dahlia species are edible and can be eaten if prepared correctly. However, as with any non-cultivated plant, individuals may have allergies or sensitivities, so it is generally not recommended to eat any part of ornamental varieties like the Dahlia 'Gitty Up'. Ingesting non-edible parts of the dahlia may cause stomach discomfort due to the presence of non-digestible components, but significant toxicity is not expected.

    • To pets

      Dahlias, including the Dahlia 'Gitty Up', are generally considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. If a pet ingests parts of a dahlia plant, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, but serious toxicity is rare. Symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea could occur but are expected to be self-limiting. It is always best to discourage pets from eating ornamental plants as individual sensitivities can vary.

  • infoCharacteristics

    • Life cycle

      Perennials

    • Foliage type

      Deciduous

    • Color of leaves

      Green

    • Flower color

      Mixed

    • Height

      4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)

    • Spread

      2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)

    • Plant type

      Bulb

    • Hardiness zones

      8-10

    • Native area

      Mexico

Benefits

  • money-bagGeneral Benefits

    • Aesthetic Appeal: Dahlias like 'Gitty Up' provide stunning blooms that enhance the beauty of gardens and landscapes.
    • Variety of Colors: They come in a wide range of colors, fitting into diverse garden color schemes.
    • Attraction of Pollinators: Dahlias attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting pollination in the garden.
    • Extended Blooming Season: Dahlias have a long flowering period from midsummer until the first frosts, providing continuous color.
    • Cut Flowers: Their blooms make excellent cut flowers for arrangements with a good vase life.
    • Garden Design: They can be used in various garden designs, from borders to container gardening.
    • Hobby: Growing dahlias can be a rewarding hobby, with many enthusiasts enjoying the cultivation and hybridization aspects.

  • medicalMedical Properties

    This plant is not used for medical purposes.

  • windAir-purifying Qualities

    This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

  • leavesOther Uses

    • Natural Fabric Dyes: Petals of the dahlia can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, providing a range of colors from yellows to pinks, depending on mordant used.
    • Culinary Garnishes: The flower petals of dahlias are edible and can be used to add a splash of color and a unique twist to salads and desserts.
    • Photography Subjects: Dahlias, with their vivid colors and intricate petal arrangements, are popular with photographers and can be used as the main subject for art projects.
    • Event Decorations: Dahlias provide bright and large blooms which are excellent for creating eye-catching centerpieces for weddings, parties, or other events.
    • Educational Tools: The diverse forms and colors of dahlias can be used in botany classes for education on genetic variation and hybridization processes.
    • Horticultural Competitions: Dahlias are often the focus of flower shows and gardening competitions, where growers showcase their most impressive breeds.
    • Personal Care Products: Dahlia petals can be infused into oils and used in homemade creams, lotions, or scented bath products for their fragrance.
    • Ink Production: The pigment from dahlias can be used to make organic inks for use in art projects or fabric printing techniques.
    • Eco-friendly Confetti: Dried dahlia petals can serve as a biodegradable option for confetti at celebrations to reduce plastic waste.
    • Craft Supplies: Pressed dahlia flowers and petals can be incorporated into paper making, scrapbooking, and other craft activities for a natural touch.

Interesting Facts

  • bedFeng Shui

    The Dahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.

  • aquariusZodiac Sign Compitability

    The Dahlia is not used in astrology practice.

  • spiralPlant Symbolism

    • Elegance and Dignity: Dahlias, including the 'Gitty Up' variety, are often associated with elegance and dignity due to their intricate petals and impressive blooms.
    • Change and Variety: With a vast array of colors, shapes, and sizes, dahlias are symbolic of diversity, change, and variety, representing the many different paths life can take.
    • Creativity: The dahlia's unique patterns and bright colors are reminiscent of a burst of creativity, inspiring those who receive or grow them to embrace their own inventive spirit.
    • Commitment and Bond: Dahlias are sometimes used to express sentiments of everlasting commitment and a lasting bond between two people.
    • Inner Strength: The sturdy stem and lush bloom of the dahlia symbolize an inner strength that rises above challenges and adversities.
    • Grace under Pressure: As dahlias bloom well into autumn, they represent gracefulness and composure in challenging or stressful situations.

๐Ÿ’ง
Every 3-4 days
Water
โ˜€๏ธ
2500 - 10000 Lux
Light
๐Ÿ’ฆ๏ธ
6%
Humidity
๐Ÿชด
Every year
Repotting
๐ŸŒฑ๏ธ
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation
โœ‚๏ธ๏ธ
As needed
Pruning
  • water dropWater

    Dahlia 'Gitty Up', like other dahlias, requires consistent moisture and should be watered two to three times a week, depending on climate conditions. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The method of watering should aim at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage which can lead to fungal diseases. Ideally, you should provide about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, which equates to approximately 0.5 to 1 gallons for outdoor plants. During hot spells or dry weather, you might need to water more frequently to maintain moisture levels.

  • sunLight

    Dahlias thrive in full sun to partial shade conditions. You should place Dahlia 'Gitty Up' in a spot where it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, which promotes strong growth and optimal blooming. Avoid locations with heavy shade, as this can impede flower development and make the stems weak.

  • thermometerTemperature

    Dahlias prefer moderate temperatures and Dahlia 'Gitty Up' is no exception. They can survive in temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit but thrive at temperatures between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to plant or keep them outside only after the danger of frost has passed, as they are sensitive to cold and cannot survive in temperatures below freezing.

  • scissorsPruning

    Pruning dahlias like Dahlia 'Gitty Up' is essential for encouraging bushier plants and more bloom production. Deadhead regularly to remove faded flowers and promote further blooming. Additionally, pinch out the growing tips once the plant reaches about 16 inches to encourage branching. The best time to prune is throughout the blooming season, from summer until the first fall frost.

  • broomCleaning

    As needed

  • bambooSoil

    The best soil mix for Dahlia 'Gitty Up' consists of a well-draining, fertile potting mix with compost and peat for moisture retention, while ensuring proper drainage with perlite or sand. The ideal pH for dahlias is around 6.5 to 7.0 which is slightly acidic to neutral.

  • plantRepotting

    Dahlias, including 'Gitty Up', should be repotted annually. They are typically repotted in the spring after the last frost when starting tubers indoors or when the tubers are brought out of storage to be re-planted.

  • water dropsHumidity & Misting

    Dahlias such as 'Gitty Up', prefer average humidity levels, around 40-60%. They do not require a particularly humid environment and can thrive with the humidity levels typically found in temperate climates.

  • pinSuitable locations

    • Indoor

      Ensure bright light, good airflow, regular water for indoor Dahlia growth.

    • Outdoor

      Plant in sunny spot, amend soil, water consistently, protect from wind.

    • Hardiness zone

      8-11 USDA

  • circleLife cycle

    The Dahlia 'Gitty Up' (Anemone type) begins its lifecycle as a tuber planted after the last frost when the soil has warmed. It germinates and sprouts into a seedling, which then develops into a mature plant with a strong stem and lush foliage. During the growing season, it produces distinctive anemone-type flowers, characterized by a central cluster of disc florets surrounded by one or more rings of longer ray florets. After blooming, if pollination occurs, the plant may produce seeds, but many cultivars are propagated vegetatively. As a perennial in warmer climates, it will go dormant in the winter, with the tubers surviving underground, whereas in colder climates, tubers are often lifted and stored to be replanted the next season. The lifecycle repeats when the tubers are replanted or the new plants grow from seeds where conditions allow.

  • sproutPropogation

    • Propogation time

      Spring-Early Summer

    • The most popular method of propagating Dahlia 'Gitty Up', also known as Anemone Dahlia, is through division of tubers. This is typically done in the spring just before the last expected frost, when plants are beginning to sprout and the eyes on the tubers are visible. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of dahlia tubers and gently brush off the soil. Identify the eyes, which are growth points on the tubers, and using a clean, sharp knife, cut the tuber into sections making sure each section has at least one eye. Allow the cut surfaces to dry for a day to form a callus, which helps prevent rotting. Next, plant the divided tubers into well-draining soil at a depth of about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters), leaving the eyes just at or above the soil surface. Water thoroughly and wait for the shoots to emerge, indicating successful propagation.