Starting dahlia seed weeks earlier than the packet recommended was certainly the right choice this year. The dahlias sprouted well, under lights and with a heat mat. They grew steadily, only becoming slightly leggy. I pinched them down a few times and repotted them more than once. Yesterday, I was rewarded when the first dahlia opened and bloomed. This variety is my favorite. Small, compact, colorful, the dahlia will grow easily all summer in a pot. I have several more on the verge of blooming. What a joyful time of year it is as I keep watch over each bud, anticipating the color surprises that await me.

The variety is called ‘Dandy,’ and it certainly is a ‘fine and dandy’ dahlia. The source of the seeds was Baker Creek Seeds. The feature I love most about this dahlia is the color of the contrasting petals around the center. This flower, with the large bud and stem cut away, can be pressed between the pages of a book.

This post is part of Friday Flowers #20.