So I bought my first Dahlias this week... I got one LABELED "Fire N Ice". Yep a "N", the letter N....so do I say I have the same one as "Fire and Ice" in the database here? or "Fire & Ice" even? (Why do the marketers do this?) The package says it is a "Novelty mignon dahlia". It is also says "New" on the package...

If it's this one Dahlia 'Fire and Ice' you can propose an edit and add it under "also sold as".

Is this right @Zuzu?

Mignon Dahlias are singles (single layer of petals), so it is not the same as the Fire and Ice in the data base. It is interesting that so many dahlia breeder use slightly revised versions of the same name, but the are thousands and thousands of different dahlias, so I suppose the run out of names eventually.

Or they know the lure of "new" next to a name. I have resolved to only replace ones I have lost. I am tired of making new entries in my database including looking up all the ADS information and looking online for any data describing them then cutting and pasting that info into the memo section. Then the hunt for a nice picture until I can replace it with one of my own. I have at least starting making a note under the picture of where I got it. I usually just leave it blank until I have one of my own (let's me know it isn't my picture) then when I do have one I just put "My Garden xx-xx-xxxx".

@oberon46 - Mary, are you saying you, you will never try another new dahlia just because you dont want to update your data base?

I understand not buying the newest ones every year as they are often pricey, but to never try another new one, ..........I cant imagine.

Better to toss that database and enjoy the flowers!

Yup. That is what I am saying. There are many new ones coming out that are gorgeous. But there are also many that have been out for years that I haven't even tried yet. Plus the ones I have purchased in the past were purchased because they were lovely, so why not continue them. I have around 74 different forms, colors, etc. They are enough for me.

I often just plop mine in a generic entry, and then leave a comment with images, and notes in my list for myself.

I got obsessive/compulsive and keep adding fields. I wanted to learn more about how they were graded and described - to discern one from another.

I keep a word doc list and a Pinterest page - and freely admit that I am not as organized about keeping track of everything as I should be.

I do wish the ATP data base listed height of plant and the ADS specifications.

I went from 30 different dahlias to 64 last year, and have close to doubled that again this year. At 30 plants I could remember what I needed to know, at 60 I think I remember(?), at 125, I know I'll have to get more organized.

I am liking using Pinterest - most of the Dahlias I added were already "pinned", so easy to get good images, but until I grow them I don't know how tall they will be.

My photo program serves as my own directory of dahlias I've had, am ordering, or part of a wish list.

I'm with you on the height of dahlias as we each grow them, mandolls.

There are times I find Pinterest posters must be enhancing their photos so I tend to rely on ATP for honesty.

Heh,... well looks like there are multiples with similar names and often are switched. I did some research....

Looks like the one I have : single bloom should be "Fire and Ice"
and the pompom one should be called "Fire N Ice"

And its so "new" posts of it come up from 2006....but since this is the first year I will be trying Dahlias it is new to me...and I don't fall for the silly "new" labels anyway...

I tried to submit a new name to the database (but not sure I did it right) and made a few suggestions to the other entries...maybe clear the muddy waters just a little.