The only one I was disappointed in was Blackberry Ripple. I don't necessarily think that the variety was the problem, I think the source of the tubers was the problem. I've seen Blackberry Ripple that looked pretty good, but the ones I got from the grocery store had a yellowish brown area in the flower centers where the remaining petals were yet to open, and it looked fairly ugly. I threw out the tubers.

Aside from that, I was a bit disappointed in Citron De Cap, because it took a long time to bloom(97 days), and it wasnt very prolific, and even though it only grew 3 main laterals, the flowers were still much smaller on average than advertised. Supposed to be 7", but they actually averaged between 3"-5.5", with most around 5". But I will be growing 1 of them this year, and trading or giving away the rest of the tubers that make it through winter.

What did I not like? Last year, I decided to strike out and try more anenomies and singles. They are nice enough for the garden, but they just don't . . . make "the cut." Often, the outer petals are goners before I ever get them out of the bucket at work to put into a vase. So . . . this year, I'm planting one Platinum Blonde and one Pooh. Wheels, Rock Star, Double Trouble, Sean C, and Lucky Ducky are all gone. I'm keeping Blonde and Pooh because the bees seem very fond of both of those forms, so figure I'll leave blooms from those two plants just for the bees.

Also, didn't care for Hulin's Carnival, Skywalker, Hakuyou and Redd Devil. There are probably others.

Those that it's just a matter of personal taste, I sell to my dahlia club. If the bloom or plant had something wrong with it, it's compost.

My Candlelight from Swan Island rarely looks as pretty as it does in the catalog. Mostly it looks like dirty yellow but once it awile it throws a nice orange/yellow blend. I don't really love it but I keep planting it every year, probably because it is the first one to bloom every summer and it seems to store very well since I have had that one for years.

As for the late bloomers, I plan on starting the biggest AA's in the house in late March. I did that with Show N Tell last year and it was blooming profusely by July. I made a list of the ones I'm going to start early. I don't have room to start them all or I would.

As for your Citron Du Cap, I would love to trade you something for that one. I have been eyeing that one for a few years and would like to try it. I have quite a few dahlias in storage and hopefully will have a lot of varities to trade in the spring. If you're interested, you can email me on my member page.

Linda

Linda

Kenora Wildfire and Islander? Both old favorites? I'm getting rid of my stock and seeking better. I know that both of these varieties are gorgeous, but they are blooming undersized, and with Wildfire, worse, they wilt way too soon. So those Wildfire tubers won't be showing up in the dahlia club sales either.

I've been reading a book written by a Northwest vegetable grower discussing some common soil problems in the maritime northwest ("Growing Vegetables West of the Cascades" by Steve Solomon.) The problem I'm having with bloom size may have a lot to do with soil deficiencies. I've always just fertilized, not paying enough attention to what my soil needs. This year, I'm working to build some better soil. Even though the author is a veggie guy, he's got interesting things to say, and a very successful nearby dahlia grower recommended reading the chapter on building soil. We'll see if what I learn renders any improvements to my AA's that often bloom like B's.