So we have established there are more than one way of producing a prize winning dahlias besides breeding from one group. For instance say a particular group hasn't a very good red to start with how are you going to get that form, colour or any other trait if you don't get it from another source?

Now we've reached my absolute favorite the cactus in all it's various sizes, and types. Be it semi- cactus, cactus, or those very rare large incurving cactus, but as most of the latter twist there base petals  in various directions I'll leave this deviator to the more qualified breeder.

Let's start on the largest of this type, the giant semi-cactus, and there are quite a few to choose from, but I'll show you three of my favourites.

Can you imagine the combinations these three would give you on a good day? It fair makes you break into a sweat thinking about it. Mind you as yet I have only Coral Jupiter, and Kenora Supreme in the pool that have given me a few good seeds, but have been promised Pink Jupiter this autumn from a mate up North, and you can bet he'll receive a few of Coral Jupiter seed for his trouble, and wouldn't you guess I'll give him the best ones.

NEXT PAGE