Dahlia Dahlia 'Keith's Pet' (Sin)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Keith's Pet' is a striking flowering plant distinguished by its vibrant and showy blooms. The flowers are rich in color, often featuring a blend of warm hues such as reds, pinks, and oranges, with each petal delicately outlined, which may give the appearance of a flame-like pattern. These petals are arranged in a full and rounded form, creating a dense and layered look that is characteristic of many dahlia varieties. The petals range from elongated to more rounded shapes, coming together in a way that is pleasing to the eye, creating a sense of depth and texture. The center of the flower is typically a contrasting color, drawing attention to the intricate patterns of the petals surrounding it. The foliage of Dahlia 'Keith's Pet' is lush and green, providing a rich backdrop that accentuates the brilliance of the flowers. The leaves are typically broad and have a slightly serrated edge, which adds to the plant's overall texture. Stems are sturdy, supporting the large blooms and maintaining their upright form, allowing the flowers to display prominently within a garden setting. Overall, Dahlia 'Keith's Pet' is a dazzling addition to any garden, offering a burst of color and a sophisticated floral structure that can captivate the attention of onlookers and provide a focal point in ornamental displays. Its aesthetic appeal lies in both the complexity and the vividness of its blooms, combined with the verdant spread of its foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Keith's Pet Dahlia, Garden Dahlia
Common names
Dahlia 'Keith's Pet'
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias are generally not toxic to humans. They do not contain substances known to cause serious illness or death when ingested. However, as with any plant, individual reactions can vary, and it is possible for someone to be allergic to dahlias. If an allergic reaction were to occur, symptoms might include mild irritation of the skin, mouth, or throat. Typically, dahlias, including Dahlia 'Keith's Pet', are considered safe around humans; nevertheless, it is not advisable to ingest plant parts as they are not intended for consumption.
To pets
Dahlias are not considered toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. The ingestion of dahlia plants, including the variety Dahlia 'Keith's Pet', is unlikely to result in serious poisoning. However, gastrointestinal discomfort could occur if a pet ingests a significant quantity of the plant, with symptoms such as mild vomiting or diarrhea. Generally, these symptoms would be self-limiting. It is always prudent to monitor pets and discourage them from consuming non-food plants to prevent any possible upset or complications.
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- Enhanced Garden Aesthetics: The Dahlia 'Keith's Pet' adds vibrant color and visual interest to any garden space.
- Attracts Pollinators: Dahlias are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting the local ecosystem.
- Easy to Grow: This variety of dahlia is relatively easy to cultivate, requiring minimal maintenance, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Cut Flower Use: Dahlias are popular as cut flowers due to their long vase life and stunning blooms, perfect for arrangements and bouquets.
- Variety of Uses: In addition to being used in gardens, dahlias can also be grown in containers, making them versatile for patios and balconies.
- Seasonal Interest: Dahlias bloom from mid-summer through fall, providing color in the garden when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Symbolic Significance: Dahlias can represent dignity and elegance, making them a meaningful addition to a garden space.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dahlia tuber flour: The tubers of dahlias can be dried and ground to create a gluten-free flour alternative for baking and cooking.
- Biodegradable dishes: Compressed dahlia plant fibers can be used to make biodegradable plates and bowls as a sustainable alternative to plastic.
- Natural dye: The petals of dahlias can be boiled to extract natural dyes for coloring fabrics, yarns, and even Easter eggs.
- Photography subject: Dahlias, with their vibrant colors and intricate patterns, are a popular subject for photographers looking to capture natural beauty.
- Room decoration: Fresh dahlia flowers are ideal for creating elegant and colorful floral arrangements to enhance the aesthetics of interior spaces.
- Edible decoration: The petals of dahlias are edible and can be used as a decorative, colorful garnish on cakes and desserts.
- Teaching tool: Dahlia flowers can be used in educational settings to teach botany and plant biology due to their diverse forms and genetics.
- Floral crafts: Dried dahlia flowers can be used in crafting, such as in making potpourri, bookmarks, and greeting cards.
- Fashion inspiration: The shapes and colors of dahlia flowers often inspire designers in creating floral patterns for clothing and accessories.
- Companion planting: Dahlias can be planted alongside vegetables in gardens to attract pollinators and potentially improve the yield of surrounding crops.
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: Dahlias are often associated with grace and nobility, reflecting their sophisticated bloom structure.
- Creativity: Due to the variety of colors and forms, dahlias represent innovation and an unconventional approach.
- Change and Variety: With such a vast range of appearances, dahlias symbolize a welcoming of diversity and change.
- Commitment and Bonds That Last: In the Victorian language of flowers, dahlias are symbols of an everlasting union, making them popular in wedding bouquets.
- Inner Strength: Dahlias are hardy flowers that continue to bloom even in challenging conditions, representing resilience and inner strength.
- Warning of Change: In some traditions, dahlias can also signify a looming change, due to their variety representing unpredictability.
WaterDahlias should be watered deeply once or twice a week, providing 1 to 2 gallons of water at each watering session, depending on weather conditions. It's best to check the soil moisture; dahlias prefer a consistently moist but not soggy soil. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. During peak bloom time, they may require more frequent watering to support their large flowers, especially if the weather is particularly hot or dry. Always avoid overwatering as this can cause tuber rot.
LightDahlias thrive in a spot with full sun exposure, meaning they need direct sunlight for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. They perform best in well-lit locations where they can receive plenty of sunlight from morning through afternoon, as this helps promote vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Partial shade is acceptable, especially in extremely hot climates, but too much shade can result in fewer blooms and leggy plants.
TemperatureDahlias prefer a moderate climate with temperatures ranging between 60°F and 75°F for optimal growth. They can tolerate a maximum temperature up to around 90°F but may require additional watering in such heat. They should be protected from temperatures below 50°F, as cold can damage the plant and tubers. To ensure a thriving plant, plant dahlias after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
PruningPruning dahlias, or deadheading, is important to encourage more blooms and maintain plant vigor. Remove spent flowers regularly as soon as they fade to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. Prune back the stems to a set of leaves or a growth point to encourage bushiness. The best time for major pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlia 'Keith's Pet', commonly known as Dahlia, thrives in a rich, well-draining soil mixture consisting of loam, peat, and sand or perlite in equal parts. The ideal soil pH for Dahlias should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.5 to 7.0, ensuring the best nutrient availability for the plant.
RepottingDahlias generally need to be repotted every year. After the blooming season ends and the foliage has died back, Dahlia tubers should be lifted, divided if necessary, and repotted in fresh soil to ensure vigorous growth for the next season.
Humidity & MistingDahlias prefer moderate humidity levels and can tolerate some variation, but they typically thrive in ambient conditions without the need for specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and regular feeding.
Outdoor
Full sun, rich soil, well-drained; protect from wind.
Life cycleDahlia 'Keith's Pet', commonly known as Dahlia, begins its life cycle when a tuber is planted after the danger of frost has passed, usually in spring. These tubers sprout and grow into bushy plants, producing vibrant and showy flowers typically starting in midsummer. As a perennial, after the blooming period, Dahlias will start to yellow and wither with the onset of the colder fall temperatures. Before the first frost, tubers are often dug up and stored indoors during the winter to prevent them from freezing. The stored tubers are then divided and replanted when the new growing season starts. If left in the ground (in warmer climates where they are hardy), they may enter dormancy and regrow the following spring to start the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Dahlia 'Keith's Pet' is by dividing its tubers. Propagation is ideally performed in the spring when the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed sufficiently. Gardeners should start by carefully lifting the plant out of the ground to avoid damage and then gently brushing off the soil. Using a clean, sharp knife, the tuber clump can be divided into smaller sections, ensuring each section has at least one eye, which is a point on the tuber from where new growth will emerge. After cutting, it’s beneficial to let the tuber sections dry for a day or two to form a callus over the cuts to reduce the risk of rot when planted. Finally, the tuber sections can be planted about 6 to 8 inches deep (15 to 20 centimeters) with the eyes facing upwards, spaced about 18 to 24 inches apart (45 to 60 centimeters) depending on the variety size.
