This article is adapted from a dahlia catalog published in 1951 by Ballay Dahlia Gardens of Palo Alto, California.
Although the original work is in the public domain, this article has been edited for the modern reader and may contain new material.
This version is Copyright © 2024 by Steve K. Lloyd and may not be reproduced without permission.
Editor’s note: C.W. Ballay was a dahlia hybridizer and grower in California at least as early as 1927 when their dahlia gardens were located in Los Altos, California.
Later based in Palo Alto, California, this annual catalog from 1951 features two brand-new dahlia introductions, “Mark Twain” and “Royal Pacific”.
Subsequent pages list the attributes of several dozen more Ballay-hybridized dahlias, followed by other named dahlia cultivars offered for sale in Giant Ballay Dahlias 1951 catalog.
Our New Dahlias for 1951
OUR NEW INTRODUCTIONS FOR 1951
(Illustrated on front cover)
MARK TWAIN—Informal decorative. Bright red, boldly tipped white. This is a fascinating bi-color of brilliant shading and large size. There is no variation in the blooms, about one-third of each petal at the tip being of purest white. There has never been a solid red flower due to the strong tendency toward white. Formation is artistic and unusual for this class with petals slightly curled and full to the center. Average size is 10 to 11 inches under ordinary field culture with proportionate depth. Blooms early and freely on good stems. Medium height. There are not many reliable bi-colors. Recommended by Mr. Lynn B. Dudley in his 1950 Roll of Honor in Flower Grower. Strong Divisions................ $15.00 Net
ROYAL PACIFIC—Formal Decorative. Violet purple of the blue tone. A true formal that is outstanding because of its rare and distinctive coloring. Especially attractive in the sunshine or under artificial light. Bloom is made up of many regularly placed well-cupped petals, leaving no question as to its classification. Grows 11 to 12 inches in size. The long strong stems hold the flowers up perfectly, well above the dark ornamental foliage. Excellent blooms are produced freely throughout the whole season under all weather conditions. While it is a good root maker, sales have been heavy and there may be a shortage. Strong Divisions. $15.00 Net
Please note that this information is provided for historic reference only. We do not have these dahlias for sale. One dollar in 1951 is worth about $12 today.
ALCAZAR — S.C. Deep fuchsia red or bright reddish purple. It belongs in the purple class according to the color chart, and the formation of the flower is frequently very close to the true cactus type. A nice large dahlia outstanding as to beauty and distinctiveness that blooms early and freely on the best stems $2.50
AZURA — I.D. Rosy lilac with a bluish-violet sheen. A very large deep flower which has won several times as the largest flower in the show with blooms measuring 12 to 14 inches. Plant is tall and strong and the blooms have a distinctive and interesting formation $1.50
BALLAY ROUGE — IC. Bright clear red. Fine petalled true type cactus in a very popular color. Size is large for a cactus, excellent form, perfect stems, a free and early bloomer. It has been outstanding in many parts of the country $2.00
BEAU BRILLIANT — I. D. Bright carmine. A truly brilliant color that is impressive both in the garden and showroom. It is a large full flower, a profuse bloomer, and the plant growth is all that can be desired. Seems to thrive under all weather conditions $2.50
BOSPHORUS — I. D. Burnt orange. Large, well-shaped flowers of rare coloring. Reliable and satisfactory in all respects $1.00
BUTTERFLY —I. D. Henna-orange with reverse and center rosy mauve. The odd combination of color is new and has been the subject of much favorable comment. It is a large, well-formed flower with pointed petals, reliable and attractive. Prolific bloomer. $2.50
CALIFORNIA CENTENNIAL —I. D. Buff yellow with the color somewhat accentuated at the center. An oval shaped bloom of large size which is a seedling of California Pageant. This is a distinctive variety in its color with strong plant growth. Not yet widely grown but it is a dahlia with a future. Achievement Medal winner and honor Roll Dahlia in 1949. $7.50
CALIFORNIA IDOL —I. D. Lemon yellow. Famous the world over. A very large flower with ideal habits that is seldom surpassed either for garden performance, or for exhibition, One of the truly great dahlias. $1.00
CALIFORNIA PAGEANT —I. D. Bright gold with shadings of reddish bronze. Very large flowers of very gay coloring. Strong, straight stems hold the well formed blooms facing perfectly. Highest scoring dahlia at Storrs in 1946. Three blooms on one plant at the same time measured 13 x 8 inches. $3.50
CALIFORNIA ROSE—I.D. Clear bright rose. Exquisite coloring, large, tall growing. Has been described as a good keeper when cut. $1.00
CATALINA — S.C. Bright rose red of the American Beauty shade. Fairly large flower most brilliantly colored that blooms early and most freely over a long period. Well-branched plant of medium height. $3.50
CONFUCIUS — S.C. Chinese red (bright coral red). This very striking dahlia is a real giant with many winnings to its credit. Few dahlias have achieved greater popularity and it doubtless ranks with the very best. $1.50
DOROTHY LAMOUR — Str. Cac. True orange. A dahlia of great charm because of its rare color and useful qualities. This is a distinctive variety that is much in demand. $2.00
DRESDEN — I.D. Clear pink lavender. An uncommon color and very pleasing. A grand old dahlia. $1.00
ESPLENDIDO — I. C. Reddish coral pink. True type cactus of a most attractive and unusual color. Very tall, strong growing and an abundant producer of line blooms. One of the best cactus in commerce. $2.00
EVELYN CHANDLER — S. C. Golden apricot. A spectacular flower of fine coloring and great size. It has been a consistent winner in numerous shows, sometimes as the largest bloom. $1.00
FAVORITA — I.C. Canary yellow. Best yellow cactus. The outer petals of this true type cactus fold well back to the stem. Bloom is of good size and the stem is always good. $2.00
FIRST LADY —I. D. Yellow shaded orange. Large flower of fine form. Strong grower with attractive foliage and stems holding the blooms well above the plant A very good variety. $2.00
FORTY-NINER — S. C. Bright yellow. A huge semi-cactus with all petals definitely incurved. Well-branched, free blooming plant with ornamental foliage. A truly beautiful variety ideal for all purposes. New 1949. $7.50
FRIEDA GAYLORD —I. D. Rosy pink slightly shaded with gold. A magnificent dahlia of remarkable size and vigor. Will produce very large blooms through the whole season, some as large as 15 inches in diameter. Has won a number of major prizes in the leading shows in different parts of the country the past year. That it is one of the truly great dahlias of all time is our candid opinion. $3.50
GALA CALIFORNIA —I.C. Scarlet orange. One of the best cactus. Attracts attention because of the bright unusual color. It will supply many fine blooms on good stems and seems to do well anywhere. $1.00
GAYLORD BALLAY — I. D. Pure white. A new giant white that has created a great sensation. Superlative size, vigorous, tall growing. Large, pure white that is winning in strong competition. $2.50
GERTRUDE LAWRENCE —I. D. Light cerise red. Outstanding variety both as to size and color. Early to bloom. Plant of medium height. $1.50
GOVERNOR WARREN — I. D. Golden salmon shading deeper at the center. A full, deep, broad petalled bloom well placed on a long rugged stem. This new giant in the autumn color class possesses real beauty as well as great size. A 1948 introduction. $5.00
GRANDEE —I. D. Light red shaded orange yellow. Noticeable because of its great size. Plant growth is rather sparse. $1.50
GRAND MARSHAL —S. C. Reddish-violet. Large true type semi-cactus. Uncommon Color. Particularly good in the late season. $1.50
HIGHLANDER — I. D. Scarlet-pink with a lighter reverse to the petals. A bright new shade of pink sometimes called ‘‘watermelon.” Artistically formed bloom on long, strong stems. A continuous performer. New 1948. $3.50
JOSEPH B. LANKTREE —I. D. Bright red without shadings. A champion prize winner in California. Massive blooms 12 to 14 inches. Continues until the end of the season. Outstanding in its class. $2.50
KING OF THE WHITES — I. D. Clear glistening white. This striking new white is exactly what the name implies. Very large and full with fine stems and a sturdy plant. Is not soiled by heat or moisture. We have received excellent reports from many places the past season. New 1949. $7.50
LELAND STANFORD —I. D. Brilliant cardinal. One of the best reds. Does not fade and will withstand difficult conditions. Large size, robust grower. $1.00
MAGNA CHARTA — I. D. Deep old rose. Charming flower of rare color. Will grow large on a long cane-like stem. Clean sturdy bush growth. Has not shown any faults or failings. $2.50
MAESTRO — S. C. Purple cerise. A richly-colored large flower of remarkable substance and most pleasing appearance. All good qualities and highly recommended. $1.50
MAYFAIR — I. D. True bright pink with a white center. Unusual form with laciniated petals and most artistic. Fairly large size with lots of color appeal. Good habits. New 1949. $5.00
MISS GLORY — S.C. Apricot-yellow. A refined flower of large size and excellent form. Well known and popular. One of the best in its class. $1.00
MONTEZUMA — S.C. Reddish copper or terra cotta. A giant semi-cactus of the type of Confucius. The big, bold flower has depth as well as diameter and the color is attractive and unusual. $2.50
NIGHTINGALE — F. D. Deep magenta rose shading is somewhat lighter at the tips of the petals. The color is generally referred to as fuchsia. A truly spectacular flower and strictly of the formal type. Better proportioned stems and more rugged plant growth would be hard to find. Large size. $3.50
NINA WARREN —S. C. Bright rosy purple. At last a nice new purple semi cactus of large size. The rather tall plant is a mass of blooms all season. Will thrive in warm weather and is not improved by shading or covering. Named for the wife of the Governor of California who called it her favorite color. New 1950. $10.00
PACIFIC SPLENDOR — I. D. Delicate pink shading to white center. Artistic bloom of large size. A delightful color when properly grown. Habits of growth are good. $1.00
PALO ALTO —I. D. Salmon shading to gold. One of the best of the older varieties. A dahlia of fine color that is easy to grow. Rather tall plant producing-many good flowers on long stems. $1.00
REGALIA — I. C. Bright cerise. An unusual cactus with perfect stems. This dahlia has proven to be a valuable addition to its class on account of its many fine qualities. A striking color and a lavish bloomer throughout the season. $2.00
SAN FRANCISCO — I. D. Shrimp pink. A giant of great beauty. Rugged grower with long stems. $1.00
SATAN —S. C. Flaming red, gold center. A great dahlia that is known wherever dahlias are grown. Greatest prize winner of its day. $1.00
SAVINA —I. C. Bright salmon shading to golden yellow. A husky growing plant producing nice large cactus blooms on good stems. Color is very pleasing and strikes the popular fancy. Well worthwhile if you are fond of cactus type. New. $4.00
SIR FRANCIS DRAKE—I. D. Golden bronze shading deeper at the center. Very large flower with exceptional depth. One of the very best in the autumn shades which are always popular. We have had many fine reports on the performance of this dahlia. $2.00
YANKEE DOODLE —I.D. Fuchsia purple with crimson shadings. Giant size, rare coloring, good habits. An ideal exhibition dahlia. Not particularly recommended for climates where the summers are extremely hot and dry. $2.50
Care of Dahlias in California
Plant dahlia tubers in May. Have the soil dug deep and well worked beforehand. Place a stake at each place, dig a hole deep enough so that the root can be covered 4 or 5 inches, and leave a wide basin 2 or 3 inches deep for watering. Lay roots flat, never on end. Plant 21/, to 3 feet apart.
Water well as soon as planted and about once a week until plants are well above ground. Irrigate thoroughly about twice a week when plants are growing strong and blooming.
If plants are topped when about a foot high it will cause them to branch and make a sturdier growth.
Larger blooms and better stems may be had by disbudding. Leave the large center bud and take off small side buds and sprouts above leaves for 2 or 3 joints.
Use fertilizer sparingly. The time to fertilize is when plants are topped.
Spray with nicotine or other garden spray to prevent leaf pests the same as for other garden plants. Use ant poisons to keep ants from the patch. Dust with sulfur to control mildew.
For a long season of bloom keep old flowers with foliage cut off and be sure to keep well watered at all times.
Dahlias like an open, sunny situation away from the roots of trees and shrubs.
Do not dig clumps until about the first of the year, leave soil on them, and store in a dry, frost-proof shed. Cut off dry stalks, stack together and cover with old bags or something of the kind. Wash and divide carefully at planting time.
