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.
Wunderschöne zarte Farbe. Ihren Namen hat sie zu Recht verdient!
Liebe Grüße
Lieselotte
LikeLiked by 1 person
Vielen Dank für den Kommentar und dafür, dass Sie meinen Blog besucht haben. Bitte kommen Sie wieder.
Thank you so much for the comment and for visiting my blog. Please come back again.
LikeLike
Sehr schöne Blüte, zarte Farbe, gefällt mir sehr gut.
Liebe Grüße
Tilla
LikeLike
Yes, the color is very delicate and beautiful. Thanks for visiting the blog.
Ja, die Farbe ist sehr zart und schön. Danke für den Besuch des Blogs.
LikeLike
It looks gorgeous 😀
LikeLike
Thanks so much Ananka!
LikeLike
well it sounds like you made a great choice to start them early – what beauty
I put some gladiolus bulbs in the ground about six weeks ago and they are coming up nicely – I did not expect to see them until July – but they have emerged and it is exciting – they are such an easy bulb for be to grow
LikeLike
They did get a little leggy, but pinching helped them branch out a bit. I love gladiolus. I was lucky, and even with the cold, cold winter, some of mine survived in the ground. Not so lucky were the few I planted in a raised bed. Half of them were dug out by squirrels while we were away. It’s a good thing for those squirrels they are cute. Good luck with those Glads!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks and glad the ones in thr ground made it for you
LikeLiked by 1 person
How lovely to discover your blog through Astrid’s Friday Flowers. Your little “Dandy” dahlia is absolutely charming, and I can well imagine the joy of watching each new bud slowly unfold. The contrasting petals around the center really are something special. I would also be delighted if you joined my new Thursday garden link party “Plausch am Gartenzaun” sometime. It is all about gardens, flowers, nature and the little joys outdoors. Wishing you a wonderful weekend and many more beautiful blooms, Nicole
LikeLike
Hi Nicole, thanks for the lovely comment. I will definitely stop by next Thursday for your Garden Party link. It sounds like fun.
LikeLike
This is so beautiful
LikeLike
Thank you so much Joanne.
LikeLike