Angle of bloom discussion

Bessie

This is my second year growing dahlias from tubers, and would invite a detailed discussion of bloom angle. I'm especially interested if the angle changes through the season, the inheritance of the bloom angle trait, and if there are any varieties where the angle is not good, but it's acceptable to have occasional clockface blooms, because the positive traits of the Dahlia outweigh the negative bloom angle. Thanks!

Teddahlia

I have never seen any judge give a ribbon to a clock faced bloom. It is a major disqualifying fault. When breeding dahlias, the bloom angle is generally good in seedlings. Over the years, breeders have selected for this trait and there are lots of good genes out there. It is hard to suggest any varieties that have a bad bloom angle although there may be some out there.