Zorro was from one seed of an older red giant dahlia(not Envy but something like it) Edna C was crossed with Zorro pollen by the late Mick Senior and he got one seed and that was Spartacus.
honnat Jan 11, 2015 10:48 AM PDT
St. Paul, MN
Todd, thanks for sharing your photos! You've got me considering Spray n grow for next year. I would like a good way to foliar feed because I plan to do more mulching which makes granular feeding more difficult. It looks like its not certified organic; but they do call it organic as it doesn't have chemicals and has "natural" ingredients. I may at least try the micronutrients. The photo on their web site with the testimonial about potato growth peaked my interest. https://spray-n-growgardening.com/gardening/testimonials/
todgor Jan 11, 2015 2:17 PM PDT
Name: Tod Gordon West Caldwell, NJ
I never had much luck with Zorro before, it was always kind of smallish and not many blooms. This time it was a monster, and it put out a lot of branches. The trouble with that is its hard to hold upward, and it really sprawled a bit. As Ted said, the first blooms were really nice and big, the later ones were smallish. Its a darker red with a tinge of wine color. I definitely enjoyed it.
todgor Jan 11, 2015 2:44 PM PDT
Name: Tod Gordon West Caldwell, NJ
Two of Vista Kestyn, two of Belle of Barmera (I think), Warf, group shot, not sure, Almand Joy, Ivanetti with one bloom reverted to Cornell, the same red Ivanetti, Ivanetti, Constania Lemon, Elk's Eyreka Marie, two of Misthill Contessa.
todgor Jan 11, 2015 2:55 PM PDT
Name: Tod Gordon West Caldwell, NJ
Vassio Meggos, Ferncliff Bliss, Elizabeth Mellinger, AC Angie, three not sures, maybe AC Angie, could be Mingus Millie B, AC F & P, two of Nenekazi, might be Hart's Blood Red, Morgenster, Fleurel.
todgor Jan 11, 2015 3:02 PM PDT
Name: Tod Gordon West Caldwell, NJ
Two of Gitt's Respect, Avignon, Belle of Barmera, Elizabeth Mellinger, Ferncliff Bliss, AC F & P, maybe Roque Startburst, Harvey Koop, two of AC Crazy Train, not sure. Bob Fitzjohn, not sure, Warf, Ayers White Knight.
todgor Jan 11, 2015 3:10 PM PDT
Name: Tod Gordon West Caldwell, NJ
NTAC Patricia, not sure, Jennie, not sure, Tartan, G&M-T&T, AC Paint, Gitts Perfection, Masurao, AC AU, El Sol, two of Hilltop Ivan, not sure, Myrtle's Brandy.
teddahlia Jan 11, 2015 3:21 PM PDT
Name: Ted Oregon We enjoy breeding new dahlias!
Tartan is a very nice old one. Myrtle Bloomfield is now 98 years young and I grew the Myrtle's Brandy the first time this year and loved it.
todgor Jan 11, 2015 3:22 PM PDT
Name: Tod Gordon West Caldwell, NJ
Another Myrtle's Brandy, Rees' Variegated, Jax, Clara Huston, not sure, Wyn's Dream Weaver, Elizabeth Mellinger, Ms. Megan, Steve Meggos, two not sures, Kidd's Climax, Irish Blackhart, Marika, Ruskin Andrea
todgor Jan 11, 2015 3:36 PM PDT
Name: Tod Gordon West Caldwell, NJ
Maybe Lulu Patti, Mercury, Bloomquist Glow, Jax, Ebony Witch, two of Wanda's Capella, Parkland Glory, Mingus Leroy T, probably Hollyhill Keene, two of Painted Lady, Albert Sunset alone and with maybe Pruhonice, Magnum with Walter Hardisty.
portia Jan 11, 2015 3:48 PM PDT
Southern PA, Brandywine
Just...wow! Love all the pics.
I have Vista Kestyn in my cart at Connells..glad to see she looks great in your pics!
Also Belle of Barmera has to go on my list now too lol.
Flowernut Jan 11, 2015 3:55 PM PDT
Name: Jane Southern California Zone 9/10
Tod, gorgeous dahlias! I'm now wishing I would have ordered Painted Lady. I didn't because I have Rycroft Brenda T on order and I thought they may be similar. There is always next year. I'm going to be more diligent about foliar spraying this coming season. I have Sea Grow 4-26-26. Lots of good stuff in there.
ClearCreekDahlias Jan 11, 2015 4:58 PM PDT
Western New York State Dahlias! Dahlias! Dahlias!
Flowernut Jan 11, 2015 5:08 PM PDT
Name: Jane Southern California Zone 9/10
ClearCreek-is it the nitrogen that is concerning or the high phosphorus and potassium or all three? What NPK do you use? Thanks.
CCvacation Jan 11, 2015 5:29 PM PDT
Name: CC PA
Love to see your images, Tod!
Very cool Alberta Sunset! Love to see it in person. Not a surprise to see Rivers selling a stellar such as this...
Benny101 Jan 11, 2015 5:47 PM PDT
Greenville MI - zone 5b
Great stuff Todd , nice photos for a winter day .
todgor Jan 13, 2015 7:59 PM PDT
Name: Tod Gordon West Caldwell, NJ
My friend Jim (6 foot 4) with Penhill Yellow Queen, 4 group shots, might be Nicole Higgo, not sure, group shot, Higgo Wonder, two of Alberta Sunset, could be Mingus Millie B, a bud opening, two group shots.
anniecan Jan 13, 2015 8:00 PM PDT
Name: Annie Luck Apex, North Carolina BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN TH
Thanks so much for posting all of those beauties Todd! I can't wait to look them over again when I have more time. How long have you been growing dahlias? Very impressive!
todgor Jan 13, 2015 8:39 PM PDT
Name: Tod Gordon West Caldwell, NJ
Wyn's Ghostie, AC Kahuna, Almand Joy, Ms. Megan, Belle of Barmera with Inland Dynasty, Mssr. Rick, Roque Starburst with Wanda's Capella, not sure, Lillian Stewart, not sure, Ivory Palaces, AC Papa, Survivor, Jacs Janet, not sure.
Tod, how I enjoy your yearly review of the biggest and best! I have learned more about dahlias I never heard of or thought about from your pic's then anywhere else. Its hard to even pick out favorites, but I see a number of them I have on order, and some I would like to try another year. I especially want to try some of that variety labeled "Not sure"..Love how it comes in so many variations! Love the looks of Warf...never saw if before.Mingus Leroy T, Painted Lady both reach out and grab me. I am finding the lavender on white ones attracting me this winter...something about that shading reminds me of shadows on snow..., or evening on Mt Rainier....And always always, Jennie fills me with envy for those who have her! I never seem to find a tuber available, hint hint..
Love the looks of Warf...never saw if before.Mingus Leroy T, Painted Lady both reach out and grab me. I am finding the lavender on white ones attracting me this winter...something about that shading reminds me of shadows on snow..., or evening on Mt Rainier....And always always, Jennie fills me with envy for those who have her! I never seem to find a tuber available, hint hint..