Dahlia Dahlia 'Trooper Dan' (S-c)
ABOUT
Dahlia 'Trooper Dan' is a striking ornamental plant known for its richly hued, vibrant flowers. At the heart of its appearance are the blooms, which showcase a blend of deep reds to burgundy petals that are typically broad and slightly curved toward the tips, often giving them a full and lush look. The flowers possess a semi-cactus form, where the petals tend to roll up along their lengths, giving them a somewhat tubular shape that adds a unique spiky texture to the flower head. The petals are arranged in a radial pattern around a central disc, which is usually not visible due to the density of the surrounding petals. This results in a rounded overall form of the flower that is quite plush and inviting. These luxurious blooms stand out against the dark green foliage that sits beneath them. The leaves are usually pinnate with pointed leaflets, imparting an elegant backdrop that accentuates the flowers' rich colors. Dahlia 'Trooper Dan' presents a robust presence in the garden. The stems that hold the flowers are sturdy and capable of supporting the heavy heads, which helps maintain the plant's aesthetic appeal throughout its blooming season. It is not uncommon for these dahlias to serve as eye-catching focal points in a garden setting or to be used as stunning cut flowers for indoor arrangements due to their impressive and ornate blossoms. Overall, the appearance of Dahlia 'Trooper Dan' is one of drama and beauty, marking it as a favorite among both gardeners and floral enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Garden Dahlia, Georgina
Common names
Dahlia 'Trooper Dan' (S-c).
ToxicityTo humans
Dahlias, including the 'Trooper Dan' variety, are generally not considered toxic to humans. This means that ingesting parts of the plant typically should not cause any significant symptoms of poisoning. Nevertheless, it's always wise to avoid eating ornamental plants as a precaution, and individual sensitivities can vary. Ingesting any part of dahlia plants may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some people, but serious consequences are unlikely.
To pets
Dahlias, including the 'Trooper Dan' variety, are generally considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. If a pet ingests parts of a dahlia plant, it is unlikely to suffer from serious poisoning. Some animals might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea or diarrhea, especially if they consume a large quantity of the plant. However, severe toxicity is rare. Always monitor your pets around plants and consult with a veterinarian if any health concerns arise following ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Vibrant Blooms: Dahlia 'Trooper Dan' is known for its striking flowers that add a burst of color to any garden.
- Extended Flowering Season: Dahlias typically bloom from midsummer until the first frost, offering a long season of visual enjoyment.
- Attracts Pollinators: The colorful and nectar-rich flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.
- Excellent Cut Flowers: Dahlia flowers have long vase lives, making them ideal for bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Easy to Grow: With proper care, dahlias are relatively easy to cultivate, thriving in well-drained soil with regular watering and full to partial sunlight.
- Wide Range of Uses: Suitable for flower beds, borders, and containers, 'Trooper Dan' is a versatile plant that can be used in various garden designs.
- Great for Shows: Dahlia flowers are often used in flower shows and competitions due to their beauty and form.
- Garden Design: The striking appearance of dahlias can be the centerpiece or complementary feature in landscape design.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edible Flower Garnish: Dahlia petals are edible, and 'Trooper Dan' dahlia's vibrant colors can be used to garnish salads, desserts, and cocktails, adding a dramatic flair.
- Natural Fabric Dye: The petals of 'Trooper Dan' can be used in natural dyeing processes to impart unique colors to fabrics, especially those made from natural fibers like cotton and silk.
- Photography Subject: Due to its striking appearance, the 'Trooper Dan' dahlia is a popular subject among photographers, ideal for macro photography and botanical art.
- Eco-friendly Confetti: Dried petals of the 'Trooper Dan' dahlia can serve as biodegradable confetti for outdoor celebrations, reducing environmental impact compared to plastic alternatives.
- Art Inspiration: Artists can draw inspiration from the 'Trooper Dan' dahlia's form and colors, using them as a muse for paintings, illustrations, and fabric design.
- Flower Arrangement Classes: The 'Trooper Dan' dahlia is often used in educational settings, teaching students about flower arrangement due to its sturdy stems and showy blooms.
- Landscape Photography: 'Trooper Dan' dahlias can be planted to create photogenic fields or backgrounds for landscape photography.
- Floral Crafts: The blooms of 'Trooper Dan' can be used in crafting, such as creating wreaths, greeting cards, or pressed flower art for home decoration.
- Theme Gardens: Gardeners can use 'Trooper Dan' dahlias to develop color-themed gardens or to complement perennial borders with their bright blooms.
- Seed Saving: Hobbyists often grow 'Trooper Dan' dahlias for the purpose of collecting seeds and experimenting with plant breeding and propagation.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dahlia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dahlia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Dignity: Dahlias in general symbolize dignity due to their elegant blooms and upright posture, suggesting a sense of grace and composure.
- Change: They are associated with major life changes or transformations because of their wide range of colors and forms, each variation representing different chapters and phases.
- Diversity: The varied nature of dahlias, with their multiple petals, symbolizes diversity and inclusion, indicating the acceptance and celebration of differences.
- Commitment: Dahlias are also a symbol of commitment and bond that lasts forever, making them a popular choice for flower arrangements in engagements or weddings.
- Inner Strength: Despite their delicate appearance, dahlias are hardy flowers, symbolizing an inner strength that persists despite outward appearance.
WaterDahlias, including 'Trooper Dan', require consistent moisture for best growth, particularly in dry conditions. They should be watered deeply at least two to three times a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. An inch or two of water per week is a good general rule. During particularly hot or dry spells, water usage may need to increase, and mulching can help retain soil moisture. To avoid disease, water the plants at the ground level rather than overhead to keep the foliage dry.
LightFor optimal growth, Dahlias such as 'Trooper Dan' should be planted in a location that receives full sunlight for at least six to eight hours a day. They thrive when getting direct sunlight and may become leggy or produce fewer blooms if light is insufficient. Selecting a south-facing garden spot free from the shade of buildings or trees will provide the ideal light conditions.
TemperatureDahlias like 'Trooper Dan' prefer temperatures between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit for ideal growth. They can survive in temperatures as low as the upper 50s overnight but require protection or removal if a frost is expected, as they are sensitive to freezing temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Dahlias perform best in warm, consistent temperatures and often struggle or go dormant when it gets too hot, above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning Dahlias like 'Trooper Dan' encourages better air circulation, reduces disease risk and promotes more prolific blooming. Pinch or cut back the main shoot to promote bushiness when the plant is about a foot tall, and remove spent flower heads (deadheading) regularly to foster more blooms. The best time for major pruning is early in the season and when deadheading throughout the bloom period.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDahlias prefer a well-draining soil mix with a pH of around 6.5 to 7.0. A good mix for Dahlia 'Trooper Dan' would be two parts garden soil, one part peat moss or coconut coir, and one part perlite or vermiculite to aid in drainage. Ensure that organic matter like aged compost is also incorporated to provide the necessary nutrients.
RepottingDahlias, including 'Trooper Dan', generally don’t need to be repotted if they are growing in the ground. However, for container-grown dahlias, repotting should be done annually, usually in the spring when the new growth starts to appear. This prevents them from becoming root-bound and allows replenishment of the soil's nutrients.
Humidity & MistingDahlias do not require high humidity and are tolerant of the typical outdoor humidity levels found in their growing zones. They grow best when the humidity is not excessively high, as too much humidity can promote fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, regular watering, and pot with drainage.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun, after last frost risk.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Dahlia 'Trooper Dan' (S-c) begins with the germination of tuberous roots in spring when soil temperatures rise above 60°F. As the plant emerges, it enters the vegetative growth stage, developing a sturdy stem and symmetrical leaves. During the summer growing season, it transitions to the flowering stage, blossoming into vibrant, spiky flowers with colors ranging from red, orange, and yellow to purple and white. Once pollinated, the flowers can produce seeds, although dahlias are more commonly reproduced through division of tubers. As fall approaches, the plant's growth slows and it enters a period of dormancy after the first frost, when the top growth dies back and the tubers can be stored for the winter. Come the next spring, the cycle repeats as the stored tubers are replanted, initiating a new season of growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Dahlia 'Trooper Dan', a type of garden dahlia, is through division of its tuberous roots. This is typically done in early spring just before or as new growth begins to emerge. Gardeners carefully dig up the clumps of dahlia tubers and wash off any excess soil to get a clear view of the tubers and the eyes from which new shoots grow. Using a sharp, clean knife or shears, they cut the clump into sections, making sure that each division has at least one eye and a portion of the original tuber attached. The cut surfaces are often treated with a fungicide to prevent rot and then allowed to dry for a day before planting. The divisions are then planted about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) deep in well-drained, fertile soil with the eye facing upward.
