The Importance of Tracking Dahlia Seed Parents for Better Blooms
When it comes to growing dahlias, there’s something magical about watching a tiny seed turn into a breathtaking bloom. But behind every beautiful flower is a crucial element that often gets overlooked: the seed parent. Understanding and documenting which seed parents produce viable seeds, the number of seeds, and the qualities of the seedlings they create is essential for any dahlia enthusiast, from backyard gardeners to seasoned breeders.
Why Focus on Seed Parents?
In the world of dahlias, not all blooms are created equal, and much of that comes down to the seed parent. The seed parent plays a vital role in determining the overall viability and genetic traits of the next generation of flowers. From growth habits to bloom size and color, the seed parent influences the characteristics that will emerge in its seedlings.
The Importance of Documentation
Viability of Seeds: Not all dahlia varieties produce seeds that are easy to grow, and some may not produce seeds at all. By documenting which seed parents consistently produce viable seeds, you can refine your selection and focus on the best producers. Keeping notes on seed counts is also valuable as it helps gauge the fertility of a plant and whether it’s worth continuing to use as a seed parent in the future.
Tracking Seed Quantities: Some plants produce a bounty of seeds, while others may offer just a few. Knowing the average amount of seeds a parent plant produces can help plan for future seasons. Having this data also allows you to compare which plants are prolific versus those that might not be as productive, helping make more informed breeding decisions.
Desirable Seedlings and Growth Habits: It’s not just about how many seeds a plant produces—it’s about the quality of the seedlings that emerge. Documenting growth habits, bloom time, and other traits of the offspring helps you determine which seed parents consistently produce seedlings that are strong, healthy, and display desirable traits such as vibrant colors, long stems for cutting, or unique petal shapes.
How to Keep Track of Your Seed Parents – Creating a system for logging this information is vital. Here are a few methods you can use:
Handwritten journals: For the traditional gardener, nothing beats a good garden journal. Record seed parent names, seed quantities, germination rates, and notable traits of the seedlings all in one place.
Spreadsheets: If you’re more tech-inclined, spreadsheets can help you organize your data in an accessible and searchable format. You can create columns for seed viability, quantities, growth habits, and any standout seedlings.
Garden Apps: Some gardening apps allow you to track plant information, upload photos, and set reminders for germination and bloom times. This digital method helps you keep all your information in one place and is accessible on the go.
Conclusion: Investing in the Future of Your Dahlias
By taking the time to document your seed parents, you’re not only optimizing your current garden but also contributing to the long-term success of future dahlia generations. The more you know about which plants are reliable seed parents and how their offspring perform, the more informed and intentional your breeding practices can become.
After all, with dahlias, each season brings the potential for something new and extraordinary. By refining your approach through careful documentation, you’ll be one step closer to cultivating the perfect bloom.
| SEEDLING | SEED PARENT |
| CLEARVIEW PASER | R KRIS |
| ALLEN’S BIG BANG | ALFRED C |
| SANDIA FLUFFY | WYN’S MOONLIGHT SONATA |
| CLEARVIEW ARLA | CLEARVIEW AUDRY |
| SANDIA GOODWIN | KENORA MEJESTIC |
| SANDIA STARGAZER | WYN’S BEWITCHED |
| MAKS BRIDES DREAM | HOLLYHILL FLAMINGO |
| CLEARVIEW MAIZE | CLEARVIEW LOUISE |
| MAKS BIG TOM | TROOPER DAN |
| AC HEISENBERG | ROGUE STARBURST |
| AC MOONWALK | WYN’S SUNDAZZLER |
| SANDIA PANAMA | MEXICO |
| JUMPSTART | EILLENE C |
| SANDIA BILL J | EILLENE C |
| SANDIA BROCADE | EILLENE C |
| SANDIA GARNET | EILLENE C |
| SANDIA POUFFE | EILLENE C |
| SANDIA SUMMERTIME | SANDIA PANAMA |
| CLEEARVIEW CAROL MARIE | KENORA JUBILEE |
| SANDIA ECHO | KENORA MAJESTIC |
| SANDIA GOODWIN | KENORA MAJESTIC |
| SANDIA BARBIE | HEATHER |
| CHI DARLEN | CHI ef25 |
| SUDE | TARATAHI LILAC |
| SANDIA ICICLE | PINK MICKS PEPPERMINT |
| SKIPLEY SNOWQUEEN | SKIPLWY MELO YELLOW |
| HOMETOWN HERO | FLAME THROWER |
| ALLEN’S BRAMBLE | ALLEN’S HIGH VOLTAGE |
| ALLEN’S STRING THEORY | NORTHLAKE PRIDE |
| NORTHLAKE HERITAGE | NORTHLAKE PRIDE |
| SANDIA COMANCHE | NORTHLAKE PRIDE |
| CLEARVIEW KEN | KENORA CHALLENGER |
| MAKS SORBET | HOLLYHILL FLAMINGO |
| CLEARVIEW PASTELLE | HAMARI ACCORD |
| MAKS MEGAN | HILTOP TREASURE |
| ALLEN’S CABIN FEVER | ALLEN’S SMOKY SKIES |
| VIXEN’S LOLLY | ALFRED C |
| CLEARVIEW WHITNEY | CLEARVIEW AUDREY |
| CLEARVIEW TELLY | KENORA JUBILEE |
| CLEARVIEW PEACHY | SUNCREST |
| SB’S ORA | SKIPLEY LOIS JEAN |
| FENYA | TARATAHI LILAC |
| AGAPE MIKE P | PARKLAND RAVE |
| PKG IRMA | LAKEVIEW GLOW |
| BLOOMQUIST SWEET | PKG JOHN S |
| LAKEVIEW GLOW | PKG JOHN S |
| CLEARVIEW CRACKERJACK | CLEARVIEW DAVID |
| CLEARVIEW JEWELL | CLEARVIEW DEBBY |
| BROOKSIDE SNOWBALL | IRISH RUFFLES |
| HILTOP STELLA | SKIPLEY SPOT |
| MS JULIE | SKIPLEY SPOT |
| GG’S K2 | GG’S KALINDA |
| DANNY BOY | SB’S FIESTA |
| MS ZELDA | SB’S FIESTA |
| VERRONE’S STEPHEN D | SB’S FIESTA |
| CHI HAPUNA | GAY TRIUMPH |
| R J R | SB’S SUNNY |
| R J R | SIR RICHARD |
| SOLO | GITTS ATTENTION |
| HOLLYHILL PEACHY KEEN | HOLLYHILL JITTERBUG |
| LARRISA | TARATAHI LILOC |
| PGK JENNIFER | PARKLAND RAVE AND LAKEVIEW GLOW |
| MAKS RYAN | MAKS REDDEVIL |
| REDWOOD HONEYBEE | WESTON SPANISH DANCER |
| CLEARVIEW FRANNIE | PEACH DELIGHT |
| HOLLYHILL MALEFICENT | HOLLYHILL BLACK BEAYTU |
| PGK RUTH | BLOOMQUIST SWEET |
| DESTINY EVAH | KELSEY ANNIE JOY |
| CHI LORNA DOONE | BLOOMQUIST BARBRA |
| PGK A&L WEDDING | GLORIOSA AND BLOOMQUIST JEAN |
| SADDLEROCK TINY GIANT | SKIPLEY SPOT OF GOLD |
| CLEARVIEW BLAZE | BARBARY RED DWARF |
| CLEARVIEW EMMA | CLEARVIEW DANIEL |
| TALL FIRS KIZZIL | BARBERRY RED DWARF |
| SKIPLEY ROAD SHERRY | SKIPLEY TNT BALL |
| AGAPE BUTTERCUP | ROSE TOSCANO |
| PEACH FUZZ | MARY JO |
| BEEHIVE | CORNEL BRONZE |
| SKIPLEY SMOOTHY | SKIPLY LOIS JEAN |
| CHI NESE RED | MS KENNEDY |
| IRISH JD | IRISH DELIGHT |
| IRISH DELIGHT | MS SCARLETT |
| IRISH MOON | IRISH DELIGHT |
| MARKS MARIO | CLEARVIEW ROYAL |
| IRISH SPICE | IRISH IMP |
| IRISH GNOME | POPPET |
| LO-CLARA | KELSEY DWARF |
| PGK CHARLENE | LORNA DUNE |
| CC’S TWO FACE | VERRONES OBSIDIAN |
| SB’S STAR | SB’S RED BARON |
| REANN’S BETA CETI | FANCY PANTS |
| REANN’S ALCOR | FANCY PANTS |
| REANN’S VEGA | FANCY PANTS |
| REANN’S ANTARES | FANCY PANTS |
| REANN’SPOLLUX | FANCY PANTS |
| REANN’S CAPELLA | FANCY PANTS |
| SB’S RED BARON | FANCY PANTS |
| REANN’S HAMAL | FANCY PANTS |
| SB’S BUTTERCREAM | FANCY PANTS |
| PKG STARLIGHT | FANCY PANTS |
| IRISH MISS | HALLMARK |
| IRISH SPECKLES | HALLMARK |
| REJMANS MIDNIGHT POM | HALLMARK |
| IRISH EMBERS | GINGER WILLO |
| MS KENNEDY | GINGER WILLO |
| IRISH BLACKBERRY | GLENPLACE |
| SB’S BECKY | GLENPLACE |
| SB’S DANNY BOY | GLENPLACE |
| SUNGATE SUNSHINE | RAEANN’S ALEXANDERIA |
| IRISH BLACKHART | MS JULIE |
| MS BUBBLES | MS JULIE |
| CLEARVIEW CINABAR | CLEARVIEW AVIA |
| SANDIA RUTHIE | WILDWOOD MARIE |
| CHI SHAKA | SKIPLEY LOIS JEAN |
| CHI MAZING | WILDWOOD MARIE |
| CHI FLAMINGO | KIDD’S CLIMAX |
| OREGON SUNSET | FLAMETHROWER |
| SANDIA LILLIAN | SANDIA BRIDESMAID |
| SANDIA NOCTURNE | HOLLYHILLBLACK BEAUTY |
| SANDIA CANCAN | RUTHIE G |
| CHI MON CHER-E | WILDWOOD MARIE |
| SANDIA GOLD | SANDIA BUNNY A SEEDLING |
| MAKS GEORGIA | WILDWOOD MARIE |
| CHICA BONITA | TRENGROVE MILLENIUM |
| FARYTALE | PEACHES & DREAMS |
| FIREFIGHTER | FLAMETHROWER |
| MT HOOD | GITTS ATTENTION |
| NIA TAI | GITTS CRAZY |
| PAPA’S LOVE | OCTOBER SKY |