Just to show main stem another pic - couldn't figure out how to add more than one picture in original message.

Many Dahlias have darker stems and/or foliage. It looks pretty good to me.

Thanks so much. I'll post pics when they bloom.

Yeah, that's not really browning. What you see on the flower bud is probably just the color of the petals showing through, and it's normal to get some of that burgundy-ish color on some stems.

Thanks all. I think you were right and there was indeed nothing wrong. here they are

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Alpha, nice shots! Do you know the varieties? Perhaps My Love for the white?

Thanks.

These

http://www.longfield-gardens.com/plantname/Dahlia-My-Love

I bought them from costco.

Ah, yes. That's how it starts.

I remember looking online wanting to see what other colors dahlias came in, other then pink, purple and yellow.... and I got lost in the sea of shapes, textures and blends possible with this amazing species. Over two hundred varieties later, my wish list is still a mile long.