Dahlia Classification - talk by Dave Bates
30 members attended the meeting to listen to Dave's talk on classification. The talk covered the history of classifying dahlias, as well as some challenges for the future.
Dave is on the NDS classification committee. He has his own web site - http://www.dahliaworld.co.uk which is an 'encyclopaedia' on dahlias. |  |
1798 some dahlia seeds were sent to the botanical gardens in Madrid. These were 'species' seeds.
1800 The seeds grew and hybridisation of dahlia occurred. It was necessary to decide on identifying the types of dahlia.
1904 The first guide was created by the NDS:
| Single Dahlia | yellow centres |
| Cactus Dahlia | long narrow pointed florets |
| Pompon Dahlia | little bees wing is the oldest known |
| Show Dahlia | perfect ball, self colour |
| Fancy Dahlia | white tips |
1924 The NDS Annual listed classification groups - most were peony flowered dahlias!
1948 The first classified directory was produced. This listed dahlia types and names, but did not state colours.