Dahlia Hybridization: Naming Your New Dahlia Hybrid

by Team Triple Wren

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March 14, 2023

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Dahlia Hybridization | Dahlia Information

Every hybrid dahlia is a unique creation. If you saved seed from your garden, then you are a hybridizer and you have the right to name your creation. You can name your dahlia at any point, but many hybridizers wait until they see the blooms and other characteristics before choosing an appropriate name.

Some hybridizers choose a prefix that is attached to all their dahlia hybrids (like Bloomquist, Skipley, Hollyhill, or KA’s), and attach a specific name after the prefix. Some hybridizers simply give their dahlias a name with no prefix (like Cupcake, Sheer Heaven, Café au lait, or Apple Blossom), and others use a personal system (like Caleb’s Orange Crush from Arrowhead Dahlias, or the Irish, Sandia, and SB’s varieties from Birch Bay Dahlias).

Many hybridizers initially assign their seedlings a number, or if they know the parentage of the dahlia they may include a code that shows the seed parent and the pollinator for the seedling and use this number in their garden until they’re ready to choose a name.

If you intend to grow many seedlings, then establishing a system that keeps your work organized is a great idea. If you are a backyard enthusiast who is simply growing dahlia hybrids for your own pleasure, then you certainly do not have to adhere to any requirement for number or naming systems!

There are organizations like the American Dahlia Society or the Royal Horticultural Society which have specific systems in place for claiming a name as your own, and for submitting your dahlia hybrid (along with its unique name) for evaluation and critique. These organizations are filled with experienced dahlia growers and can be truly valuable for receiving feedback and input on your seedlings if you wish to distribute it, but remember that there is no requirement to jump through their hoops unless you want outside validation.