Sorry shop can't help. Some of mine are doing the very same thing. Starting to bud when they are a foot to 18" tall. Adequately watered and fed. Steve in Baltimore County.

I'm in NH and mine are short this year, too. So far I'm amazed to have not lost too many to rot b/c of all the rain we've had here plus the no sun days. One of mine is blooming right now at just over 1 ft and it was 4 ft last year. Weird.

-Katy

I have a mix some are tall and others are not.

Well thank you for answering. It gives me support. Lots of work to get all these dahlias together and than not be able to enjoy them,

Mine are tall. I started them inside in February-March and planted many outside when they were already 1'-3' tall and very well established. My Ace Summer Sunset is 5' tall, a little higher than required. Given our variable NE weather, this seems to be the way to go if we want strong dahlias year after year.

Sorry you are having trouble.

What do you all suggest about cutting the huge leaves the dahlias have made this year. They look like platters sideways. I wish I could start the plants inside but have never had trouble before/.