Thank you, Ted. This is all sound advice and observation. Luckily, the leaves on these all look clear, no sign of disease or deficiency on them. the spindly plants are all in different locations. I hope I don't have wire worms. I hear they are very hard to get rid of. It's also discouraging how much poor stock is out there being sold; but then when you get good stock - what a difference! More vigorous, taller, better and more blooms, good centers.
I don't know the trick of finding good stock or disease free stock. It seems like dumb luck; even with reputable growers. There is so much to learn about dahlias! What is that beautiful lavender and white dahlia featured in your photo?
