You got buds! :-). Looks very healthy and completely normal, so no worries. It should grow and unfurl nicely, given time.

Buds typically grow in threes, with the dominant one that you see there in the center. Lots of growers pulls off the side buds to allow that main middle one room and energy to grow bigger. It also allows for a longer cutting stem. Some growers of the smaller dahlias prefer to not disbud, and cut the stem with two immature buds with the middle fully open for bouquets. Typically, those immature buds will not open once the stem is cut, but they add a fun design element in the vase.

Thanks CC you're Awesome! I'm so excited :)

>>Lots of growers pulls off the side buds to allow that main middle one room and energy to grow bigger. It also allows for a longer cutting stem. Some growers of the smaller dahlias prefer to not disbud, and cut the stem with two immature buds with the middle fully open for bouquets. Typically, those immature buds will not open once the stem is cut, but they add a fun design element in the vase.

Some of us (me) leave them on the plant, deadhead the center blossom off when it's done, and have the fun of watching the side buds open.

Sure, the flowers are smaller, but they're dahlia flowers. What's not to love?

:-)

For the ones I cut for vases, I do leave the buds on the stem. They look great, but like you said, don't open.