annemm Hi All, I could use some help identifying dahlias. Anyone know what these are? A. B. C. D. E. Thanks! Anne
katyaker annemm I have seen "A" somewhere in a catalog like Brecks. I will try to figure it out. "D" I am 90% certain is Caliente. As someone else said, fully opened dahlias would be easier to identify. The tape measure is helpful.
Teddahlia When asking about identification remember there are about 5,000 or mare dahlia varieties being grown and no one can know them all. Often, the source of your tubers will narrow down the possibilities. For example did you buy them from a retail center and they were Dutch grown tubers. Often people are gifted unknown tubers and that makes it really difficult. I am familiar with well over 1,000 varieties and do not recognize yours.
annemm Teddahlia I'm working with some Hmong Farmers in Washington state who have exchanged so many tubers over the years they don't have names for them all, just as you said. Unfortunately, I don't have any clues as to where they originated. Thanks though!
calico20hill annemm Also, Over the years I remember some sustained efforts to get tuber donations for the Hmong Farmers who had lost their dahlia fields due to flooding. So probably a lot of tuber genetics that came with no ID and were simply planted out and retained if they did well.
SteveM I'm guessing that they were seedlings that someone grew, liked, and shared but did not introduce through any ADS route. (Show or trial garden). Maybe they never had names.
Dahlia53 this is a question for @Teddahlia - hi Ted, I wonder if you recognize this dahlia? It was given to me as a UFO in an order I made and I fell in love with it. It made nice tubers too. The seller told me he bought it at a portland dahlia society sale a few years ago - it was supposed to be Hollyhill Candy Cane. He said he asked you and you thought it may have been one you pitched. Here are a few pics of it. I love it. I got it in the ground very late and it still bloomed by late Sept.
Bessie Dahlia53 I can't resist a problem to solve... What do you think of a comparison to Bloomquist Dawn? Several images may be found with an image search. Here's one reference: https://lobaughsdahlias.com/product/bloomquist-dawn/ Another reference:
Dahlia53 here is a mislabeled UFO that was supposed to be Who Dun It - Nope. But I ended up liking it. Probably someone's cast off seedling. Keeping for another year to see what it does. the open centers finally closed toward season's end. At times it looked claret red, at times purplish, at times, maroon. Nothing special really... probably nothing identifiable. But it cut well, despite the open centers.
Teddahlia The hollyhill seedling is unknown to me. When something is an unknown we almost always toss it. Of course if you like it......
Dahlia53 Teddahlia I love the color - it's in the coral/salmon family; what's not to like? It's a keeper for me for next year. It cuts well, is floriferous, and makes good tubers. Those are the qualities I look for in a dahlia, having such a tiny garden. I'll keep looking out for more Hollyhills. I bought HH lemon ice twice from other growers and the first time it didn't go, the 2nd time I got what I think is La Luna. Will keep trying!
