Dahlia Dahlia 'Harvest Amanda' (Sin/lil)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Harvest Amanda' is a stunningly vibrant and showy flower that is sure to be a centerpiece in any garden. This variety of dahlia features a bloom that bursts with a blend of colors, often boasting shades that can range from a deep, sultry red to warm, sunny yellows, with gradients and variations that create a tie-dye effect on the petals. The flowers are large and have a full, dimensional form that captivates onlookers. The plant itself displays lush green foliage that forms an attractive backdrop for the vivid blossoms. The leaves are typically oval-shaped with pointed tips and slightly serrated edges, which contrasts nicely against the softness of the flower petals. The plant's growth habit is upright, showcasing the blooms high above the foliage for a dramatic presentation. The blooms of Dahlia 'Harvest Amanda' are composed of numerous petals that are arranged in a spiral pattern, contributing to the flower's overall fluffy and intricate appearance. The petals may have rounded tips and a slight curl inward towards the center of the bloom, adding to the visual interest and complexity of the flower's structure. Dahlia 'Harvest Amanda' emanates a visual warmth and exuberance that encapsulate the feeling of a bountiful autumn harvest, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to infuse their outdoor space with vivacious color and vitality. Its stunning blooms are not only a favorite in gardens but are also sought after as cut flowers for indoor arrangements due to their beauty and lasting quality.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Garden Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Harvest Amanda'
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, including the 'Harvest Amanda' variety, are not toxic to humans. They are considered safe and do not pose a risk if accidentally ingested. There are no known toxic effects or symptoms of poisoning from dahlias to humans from eating any part of the plant.
To pets
Dahlias, including the 'Harvest Amanda' variety, are generally considered non-toxic to pets as well. They are not known to cause serious harm if pets ingest parts of the plant. However, some animals might experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort or an upset stomach upon ingesting dahlias, but symptoms are usually not severe.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Dahlia 'Harvest Amanda' provides stunning visual interest with its vibrant blooms, adding color and beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Long Blooming Season: Dahlias have a lengthy flowering period from mid-summer to fall, offering prolonged enjoyment.
- Wide Variety of Uses: They can be used in borders, flower beds, and as cut flowers, giving them versatile applications in gardening and floral arrangements.
- Easy to Grow: Dahlias are known for being relatively easy to cultivate, making them great for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Customizable Growth: With appropriate care, gardeners can control the size and shape of Dahlia plants, allowing for customization in garden design.
- Diversity: Dahlias come in a vast array of colors and shapes, ensuring there's a variety to suit any gardener's preference.
- Rapid Growth: These plants grow quickly and can fill in garden spaces efficiently, providing fast results for landscapers and gardeners.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: The petals of the Dahlia can be used to produce natural dyes for fabrics, offering hues from pinks to deep purples.
- Photography Prop: The striking appearance of the Dahlia makes it an excellent prop or background in floral photography to enhance visual appeal.
- Edible Garnish: Dahlia petals, which are edible, can be used to add color and a touch of elegance to culinary dishes as a garnish.
- Crafting Material: Dried Dahlia flowers can be incorporated into various crafts, such as in making potpourri or decorative wreaths.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Instead of traditional paper confetti, Dahlia petals can be used for celebrations as a biodegradable alternative.
- Beverage Infusions: Dahlia petals can be used to infuse water or spirits, imparting subtle flavors and floral notes to beverages.
- Floral Arranging Classes: The varied forms and colors of Dahlias make them an excellent subject for floral arranging workshops and educational purposes.
- Horticultural Competitions: Dahlias are popular choices for garden competitions due to their diverse and stunning blooms.
- Butterfly and Bee Attraction: Planting Dahlias can help in creating a garden that attracts and supports local butterfly and bee populations.
- Ice Cube Decoration: Freezing small Dahlia petals inside ice cubes can add a charming floral touch to cold beverages at events and parties.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dahlia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Elegance and Dignity: The Dahlia 'Harvest Amanda' with its striking blooms and sophisticated appearance represents elegance and dignity, often used to express commendable qualities in a person.
- Change and Variety: Dahlias come in many colors and forms, symbolizing diversity and embracing change, reflecting the many facets of life and experiences.
- Commitment and Bond: Because Dahlias are perennials that return year after year, they can be symbolic of a lasting bond or commitment made between two people.
- Inner Strength: The robust nature of the Dahlia plant, which allows it to thrive in diverse conditions, is often associated with inner strength, resilience, and the ability to stand tall despite challenges.
- Creative Expression: The burst of colors and patterns in Dahlias can represent spurring of creativity and inspiration, encouraging uniqueness and vibrant expression.
WaterDahlias require regular watering to thrive, especially during the growing season. The 'Harvest Amanda' should be watered deeply once or twice a week, providing enough water to soak the soil around the roots. If the weather is particularly hot or dry, you may need to water more frequently. A good rule of thumb is to provide about an inch of water, which equates to around 0.6 gallons for each square foot of soil, each week. It's important to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil is well-draining.
LightDahlias like 'Harvest Amanda' thrive in full sunlight. They need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to develop strong stems and vibrant blooms. The ideal spot for this plant is in a location that receives plenty of morning sunlight with some partial shade in the afternoon, especially in hotter climates to protect the blooms from intense afternoon heat.
TemperatureDahlias prefer moderate temperatures and 'Harvest Amanda' is no exception. The ideal temperature for this dahlia is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can, however, tolerate temperatures as low as the upper 40s°F during the night and can survive up to the mid-80s°F during the day, but prolonged hotter temperatures may stress the plant.
PruningPrune Dahlias like 'Harvest Amanda' to encourage a bushier plant, which often leads to more blooms. You should prune or pinch the tips of the main shoot down to the third set of leaves to promote branching. This should be done when the plant is about 16 inches tall. Additionally, deadheading spent flowers regularly will keep the plant looking tidy and promote further blooming throughout the season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. A good mix for Dahlia 'Harvest Amanda' would be equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage. Adding compost or well-rotted manure will enrich the soil, enhancing growth and bloom production.
RepottingDahlias, including Dahlia 'Harvest Amanda', do not need to be repotted regularly if grown in the ground. If grown in containers, repot them annually in the spring when you see new growth beginning, using fresh soil mix to replenish nutrients.
Humidity & MistingDahlias like Dahlia 'Harvest Amanda' thrive in moderate humidity levels. Aim for a humidity level of around 60-70%. If the air is too dry, the leaves may become brittle, while too much humidity can encourage fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Dahlias indoors with bright, indirect light and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant Dahlias outside in full sun and fertile, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Dahlia 'Harvest Amanda' begins with the planting of tubers in the spring after the threat of frost has passed. Once in the ground, the tubers sprout and the plants rapidly grow, developing a bushy structure with strong stems. Throughout the summer, Dahlia 'Harvest Amanda' produces large, showy flowers that come in a range of colors, attracting pollinators and adding beauty to the garden. After blooming, the plant begins to yellow and wither as it enters the senescence stage in the late fall with the first frosts. Gardeners typically cut back the dead foliage and dig up the tubers to store them over the winter in a cool, dry place. The stored tubers are then replanted the next spring, completing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Dahlia 'Harvest Amanda' is commonly propagated through division, a process best performed in spring just before the growing season begins. The most popular method involves dividing the tuberous roots, ensuring that each division contains at least one eye, or bud, from which new growth will emerge. To start, carefully dig up the clumps of mature dahlias after the foliage has been blackened by frost or has died back. Wash the dirt off the tubers and let them dry for a day. Using a sharp knife, cut the tuber into sections, making sure that each piece has at least one eye. Dust the cut surfaces with a fungicide to prevent rot and let the divisions cure for a few days before planting. Plant these divided tubers about 4 to 6 inches deep (10-15 cm) in well-draining soil, placing them so the eyes are facing upwards.
