She's a Keeper!
I’ve got over a 100 new varieties this year and Yes- I know I went overboard. But it’s dahlias- can you blame me? Not every variety has been a winner. But I have identified a few that will definitely be getting a second year in my field.
Beatrice
Color is the first thing that draws me to a dahlia usually. Beatrice has a beautiful bronze center with a fade to a beige/peach. However, she’s also got nice strong stems, sturdy plant habit and holds up well in the vase.
Wine Eyed Jill
I would keep this one for the color alone- However it has amazing stems- so long and tall. They tower over the plant. I did think this variety would have more yellow but maybe as the weather cools.
Diana’s Memory
Why did I wait so long to try this one? Like most waterlilies, she has multiple blooms per stem and would benefit from some disbudding however I rarely have time for such things. So about 40% of the stems have thrown multiple blooms for me. Couple that with a vase life of 5-6 days and warm blushy color and you have a winner!
Caramel Antique
This beauty has been taking the cut flower growers world by storm this year. I think everyone is raving about it. But what’s not to love- vase life (avg 6 days), Long stems but without being a tall towering plant, and gorgeous dimensional color! I’ll be keeping this one and multiplying my stock for sure!
Polyventon Supreme
I’ve been looking for good yellows for years and it was right under my nose. I grew this 5 years ago but didn’t keep it b/c yellow wasn’t popular then. However, yellow is gaining ground (Hallelujah!) so she’s back to stay for awhile. Strong stems on this one, perfect size (3” ball), early bloomer too!
Meagan Dean
She’s a cool blush with a lilac undertone. Nice long stems and the perfect size for adding a delicate blushy touch to bouquets! Plant habit- not too tall, bushy though. She’s a definite must for the farmer florist!
So just a few of my favorites so far! I’m sure there will be many more. If you’ve enjoyed reading about these, sign up for our Dahlia Lovers Newsletter here. You’ll be the first to know of all things Dahlia when they happen around here!