SteveM The “daylia” from ball seeds from what I saw in a production video (geared towards seller or nursery owner) is growing them involves use of PGRs….I am not sure if the PGR is to keep the size small or to influence the bloom time or both. One video said “ PGR 3 weeks after Transplant-B-Nine 2, 500/Cycocel
750 ppm”
I agree I am wanting more 2 foot or so tall plants. I think the shorter plants are easier to integrate into the landscape. I actually avoided growing dahlias for years because I didn’t want to be bothered to stake plants. I took a bride to be plant, chopped it into 3 pieces and used it in some gaps in my landscaping. I would say it’s growing about 3 feet tall but also not in full sun. Matilda Houston, Mary Jo, bitsy, and Milo have all been short plants I haven’t needed to stake. I have a Mary Jo seedling I’m on the fence about keeping, it’s loaded with blooms, short I’d say just under 2 feet, cute cheerful flowers but not great center. It will probably end up in my MIL’s garden
Also something I never really used to pay attention to is how long will a flower look good on the plant before you have to dead head it. (Since everything usually gets cut before then)
