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Thu, Jan 12, 12 at 2:54
| Hello there,
I am just curious. For the last seasons I happened to plant the window boxes of my upstairs neighbour, a dear old lady, with surplus flower seedlings/cuttings/tubers. So she got some of my short single Dahlias as well. But once when she saw a bouquet of waterlily Dahlias from a farmers market she remarked that she would love some of those. So I checked some German catalogues and the website of the German Dahlia society (with search function) but couldn't find a really short one (about a foot), the nearest I found was 2-3 f. Now my question: is this rather a matter of fashion and breeder`s interest or rather something about their genetics? And why is it that you can buy some Dahlia seeds of shorter types, decorative or cactus ones but no water lily? Fashion as well? (I know they don't come true from seeds)? Well, just wandering. Thanks for your thoughts, a good season start, bye, Lin |
Follow-Up Postings:
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| They are breeding shorter dahlias in several flower types. However, dahlias shorter than 2 feet are very rare. If there were a market for them, someone would breed them. Most people seem to be satisfied with the two foot tall varieties. Regular dahlias grow 3 to 7 feet tall and 2 feet is very short. Karma Choc is one of the best shorter waterlily dahlias along with Sandia Joy. |
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| There are some of the shorter dahlias, however, they do not seem to be as prevalent as some of the taller varities. Have you looked at Bonne Esperance, Baby Yellow or Baby Red? All of these are about 12" tall. I like them because they go so well in the front of the garden bed. |
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| Suitzus Julie is an excellent lower growing waterlily, See later post and google a picture. |
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| Thanks a lot for your advice, Ted, thanks for the information and recommendation. I read your post about seeds, well, didn`t know, that you can expect only so little good results. I thougt it could be fun to do some experimental raising, like with a litter of barn cats. But then I don`t really have the space for so many surplus plants. And Carolyn, I looked those short ones up. I think they are gorgeous but not showy enough for my neighbor. But I browsed some Dahlia grower websites and found some showy short ones like the Gallery series. |
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