Dahlia Dahlia 'Harvest Inflammation' (Sin/lil)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Harvest Inflammation' is a striking plant that is admired for its vibrant blooms. The flowers of this variety are captivating, showcasing bold shades of red and orange that come together to evoke the essence of a fiery sunset. These colors are arranged in a gradient, with tones ranging from deep, intense crimsons to lighter, more luminous oranges, all blending seamlessly into each other. The petals on these dahlias are plentiful and layered, contributing to a full, rounded appearance that adds to their lush look. Each petal is slightly curved, which gives them a graceful and dynamic effect, as though they're dancing around the central hub of the flower. The flower heads are quite large, commanding attention and making a statement wherever they are planted. Foliage on this plant complements the showy flowers. The leaves are deep green, providing a rich backdrop that makes the red and orange tones of the flowers stand out even more. The stems are sturdy, offering firm support to the large blooms, which can be quite heavy when in full splendor. Overall, Dahlia 'Harvest Inflammation' is a plant that radiates warmth and energy through its fiery palette and luxurious blooms, making it a favorite among gardeners looking to add a touch of drama and color to their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Garden Dahlia, Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Harvest Inflammation'
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlia 'Harvest Inflammation' falls under the common name Dahlia. Dahlias are not considered toxic to humans. They do not contain substances known to cause serious poisoning, and therefore, ingesting parts of a Dahlia plant would not typically result in any symptoms of poisoning or serious health consequences.
To pets
Dahlia 'Harvest Inflammation', simply known as a Dahlia to pets and humans alike, is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. If pets ingest parts of a Dahlia plant, they are not expected to experience symptoms of serious poisoning. However, as with any non-food plant, mild gastrointestinal upset is possible if a pet consumes a significant quantity of the plant material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
4 feet (121.92 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60.96 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Dahlia 'Harvest Inflammation' is known for its vibrant colors and striking flower shapes which brighten up gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Attraction: Dahlias are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Versatility: Can be grown in borders, flower beds, and containers, making it suitable for various garden designs and spaces.
- Cut Flowers: Dahlias have long vase lives making them ideal for floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Seasonal Interest: They bloom from midsummer to first frost, providing long-lasting visual interest in the garden.
- Hobby Gardening: Growing dahlias can be a rewarding hobby for those interested in plant cultivation and breeding due to their variety of forms and colors.
- Community Events: Dahlia flowers are often showcased in garden shows and competitions, fostering a sense of community among gardeners.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dahlias can be used as natural dye sources for fabrics and textiles, with different parts of the plant producing a range of colors.
- Due to their strong stems, dahlias are sometimes incorporated into lightweight plant-based structures or as a part of living walls and fences.
- In art, dahlia petals and blooms can be pressed and used in botanical prints or to create unique patterns in papermaking.
- The geometric patterns seen in some dahlia flowers are used as inspiration in design and architecture for creating repeating motifs.
- Dahlia tubers are sometimes utilized in horticulture as a way to study storage organ development and morphology.
- The vibrant colors of dahlias are often mimicked in the sugar arts, using the form and structure of the blooms to create edible decorations for cakes and pastries.
- The intricate petal arrangement of dahlias can inspire textile patterns, particularly for luxury fabrics and haute couture fashion.
- Photographers and artists sometimes use dahlias as subjects to study the interplay of light and shadow due to their complex petal structures.
- Dahlias can be employed in educational settings to demonstrate principles of plant growth, hybridization, and horticultural practices.
- The variety of forms and colors found in dahlias can be a source of inspiration for interior design, informing color schemes and ornamental accents.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dahlia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty and Grace: Dahlias are often associated with elegance and inner strength, reflecting the ability to gracefully navigate the complex journey of life.
- Dignity and Stability: The structured form of the dahlia blossom symbolizes the virtue of standing tall with dignity during hard times, and evokes a sense of balance and stability.
- Change and Transformation: As dahlias bloom in an array of colors and forms, they represent diversity, change, and the ability to thrive amidst life's constant fluctuations.
- Commitment & Bond: Given its array of blossoms on a single plant, the dahlia can symbolize a lasting union or strong bond between two people, often used in weddings and anniversaries.
- Creative Expression: The dahlia's diverse and vibrant appearance also symbolizes the richness of creativity and the encouragement for individuals to express themselves boldly.
WaterDahlias require even moisture and should be watered 2 to 3 times a week, with more frequent watering in hotter, drier weather. The best method is to use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the base of the plant and avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease. Aim to provide dahlias with about 1 inch of water per week, which equates to approximately 0.6 gallons per square foot over the course of a week. During peak blooming season, they may require more water to support their large, lush blossoms. Always check the soil moisture before watering; it should be moist but not soggy to maintain optimal dahlia health.
LightDahlias thrive in a location that provides full sunlight, meaning they should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for a dahlia is in a garden area that isn't shaded, especially during the midday and afternoon when the sun's rays are strongest. Although they prefer full sun, dahlias can tolerate some light shade, particularly in hotter climates where some afternoon shade can help protect the blooms from intense heat.
TemperatureDahlias grow best in temperatures that range from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit but can survive in temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, plant dahlias in an area where the temperature remains within this range for most of their growing season. It’s important to protect them from frost, which can damage the plants, and to lift the tubers in fall before the ground freezes if you're gardening in an area with cold winters.
PruningPruning, or deadheading, dahlias encourages more blooms and a longer blooming season. Prune off the spent flower heads as they begin to fade and cut back any weak or crossing stems to improve air circulation. The best time to prune dahlias is throughout the blooming season, which can continue from mid-summer until the first frost. Regular deadheading, done weekly or more frequently depending on the plant's needs, will keep your dahlias looking their best and encourage a continued display of flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlia 'Harvest Inflammation' prefers a well-draining soil mix composed of loam, peat, and compost with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5 to thrive.
RepottingDahlias should be repotted every year after the last frost date when you can lift the tubers and divide them if necessary.
Humidity & MistingDahlias are not overly sensitive to humidity levels but prefer a moderate range, avoiding very high humidity to prevent rot and disease.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Dahlias in bright indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with well-draining soil after frost danger.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleDahlia 'Harvest Inflammation' begins its life as a tuber that is planted in the spring after the last frost. The tuber sprouts and the plant grows rapidly, producing lush foliage and stems. As the plant matures, it develops buds that unfurl into the characteristic vibrant flowers, usually blooming from midsummer to the first autumn frost. After blooming, the plant sets seed, although dahlias are more commonly propagated through division of tubers. With the approach of winter, the above-ground part of the plant dies back and the tuber enters dormancy to survive the cold months. In the following spring, the cycle begins anew when the tuber is spurred back to growth by warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating Dahlia 'Harvest Inflammation', commonly known as simply Dahlia, is by dividing its tubers. This is ideally done in spring just before the new growth begins. Gardeners should start by carefully lifting the clump of tubers from the ground, using a fork to minimize damage. The clump should then be cleaned of any soil and divided by cutting between the tubers, ensuring that each section has at least one eye or bud from which new growth will sprout. The cuts can be treated with a fungicide to prevent rotting. These divided tubers can then be planted directly into the ground or started in pots, with the eyes slightly above the soil level, and kept in a warm, frost-free place until they begin to grow and can be moved outside.
