The Seattle Dahlia Society is a non-profit organization created for Northwest Dahlia enthusiasts. We grow, promote and show Dahlias in the Pacific Northwest.
The Seattle Dahlia Society is a member of the American Dahlia Society and the Pacific Northwest Dahlia Conference; judging follows ADS guidelines
Exhibitors without a PNDC or Federation number must register and get an entry number before making their entries.
The Show management reserves the right to reject or accept entries. Entry show cards supplied by the Show Committee must be completely filled out, must be folded over to cover the name and number of the exhibitor, and be attached to each entry.
All entries shall be made in accordance with the latest ADS Classification Book. The Pacific Northwest Supplement will govern cases of conflict. A variety NOT listed must be marked classified by a member of the Classification Committee. Any variety marked Classified by the committee will be judged accordingly.
Giant (AA) Dahlias |
Over 10" |
Large (A) Dahlias |
Between 8" - 10" |
Medium (B) Dahlias |
Between 6" - 8" |
Small (BB) Dahlias |
Between 4" - 6" |
Miniature Dahlias |
Up to 4" |
Ball Dahlias |
Over 3.5" |
Miniature Ball Dahlias |
Between 2" - 3.5" |
Pompon Dahlias |
Up to 2" |
No entry may be disqualified solely for being undersized or oversized for its class. No premium or penalty points are to be assessed solely for size. If two entries are of equal quality, the one that most nearly meets its class size limitation should be considered more favorably.
An exhibitor will be allowed to make ONE ENTRY of a variety in any one class. There shall be no limit on the number of varieties an exhibitor enters in any one class.
No variety shall be judged unless the entry tag is plainly marked with the true name of the dahlia. Seedlings and undisseminated dahlias must be marked with the two digit numeric prefix.
A second award may be given by judges when an entry is considered not worthy of a first award.
All blooms shown in competition must have been grown by the exhibitor, except in the arrangement, bouquet and seedling sections. Except otherwise noted, blooms must have been shown disbudded and with at least one set of leaves.
The use of any visible material above the top of the container to support dahlias will disqualify the entry.
Containers will be supplied upon request from the Show Committee (except those calling for baskets or arrangements). Persons having leaking containers (and their contents) will be removed immediately upon detection. Everyone will be responsible for the painting and upkeep of their own containers.
The Seattle Dahlia Society shall not be responsible for loss or damage to any of the exhibits or the exhibitor's property; however, utmost care will be exercised.
Blue for First
Red for Second
Best of Type and Section Champion ribbons will be awarded where designated.
No exhibits or any part thereof may be removed from the show at any time during the show. However, management reserves the option to remove any exhibit that is unsightly or detracts from the quality of the show.
The decision of the judges shall be final.
Any judge must disqualify themselves from judging in any class, including seedlings, where they have an interest in any entry.
Largest Dahlia in Show will be chosen from Blue ribbon winners in Sec. #1 only. Smallest Dahlia in Show will be chosen from Sec. #15 only. Both will be judged in accordance with the attributes in following table:
Bloom Size (Diameter x Depth) |
50 Points |
Quality of Bloom |
50 Points |
Color |
10 Points |
Form |
10 Points |
Stem |
10 Points |
Foliage |
10 Points |
Condition |
10 Points |
Other foliage and grasses with or without inconspicuous flowers or berries will be allowed in arrangements. Only baskets may have other foliage and grasses.
The Best in Show will be selected from Single Entry Sections 1-35.
Additional rules may be made by the Show Management if deemed necessary for proper conduct of the show. Any rules so made shall be as binding as though they were published as part of the rules.