Judging Micros
How many of you in the ADS have opened your 2019 ADS Classification and Handbook of Dahlias (CHD) yet? This CHD is different!
Take a look at page 14. My first reaction was what the heck are all those “M’s?!” The answer is that they provide a new class number for every form (except two) in a “micro” size, less than 2” in diameter. The two exceptions are the two where a micro size already exists: balls (P) and singles (MS). You will find that pages 4 through 6 in the CHD provide the definitions for the various micro forms. They are the same as the normal forms but are limited to 2” in diameter.
The objective of this five-year experiment is to encourage the growth and the distribution of evolving tiny dahlias. At the end of that time, the Classification Committee will either adopt or drop the new classes. I suppose they might also extend the experiment in the Forms where the most new cultivars are being shown. In the meantime, look for new opportunities to show tiny dahlias of all forms, in addition to P and MS blooms. I would anticipate that the classes would likely be joined together like in Fully Double and Open-Centered classes.
Robert Walker [MC FD DB (5013)] above, is one of very few micros in the CHD. It looks like a P from the front but the ray florets must flatten out near the equator and beyond—to make it FD.
The success of the experiment could have long-term effects on the future of the ADS. Like Mignon Single plants, the micro dahlias tend to be small plants that can readily be grown in pots. If we were to succeed in interesting “patio gardeners” to join the ADS and participate in our shows, we might substantially broaden our membership base.
We may be called upon to judge a micro class this summer. Don’t panic. Just follow exactly the same criteria you use for evaluating any other size class. You definitely want to reward diminutiveness [Guide to Judging Dahlias (GJD), p. 32].
Size may come to be a critical question in the process. There are only about 20 micros listed in the 2019 CHD, so you are likely to have a mixture of those micros plus new cultivars plus small cultivars classified as Miniatures or one of the Open-Centered forms. Those Miniatures or Open-Centered entries should be set back or moved to the right class if they are larger than 2”.
Seedlings should probably be given the benefit of the doubt up to perhaps 2.5”. They might, in the long run, be classified as micros.
