For those that just really impress you with of their quality and reliable bloom. Shown is 'Karma Bon Bini', it has never had a bad day since beginning to flower and plant habit is nice as well and it certainly is not a shy bloomer and has substance and long lasting ability, I dislike varieties that just get to the fully open stage and already older petals are turning to mush, say like the old 'Park Princess' does. I yet do not have a large collection, though as I look at the others, they just are not up to the standard of 'Bon Bini' ... oh, 'Ryecroft Zoe' also much impresses me as well. though others not really for one reason or another. What do you consider your gold standard varieties, whether that be an old variety or newest of new to the market ... I like all dahlia styles, but especially cactus and formals and those of decent compact growth habit.

Thanks from Terry !!

Hi Terry!
This is my list of quality/reliable dahlias (that fit the criteria you listed):
Hy Suntan, Peaches N Cream, Ferncliff Thunder, Cecil, Verrone's DF, NTAC Mia Li, Diva, Mystique, Mingus Toni and (new to me this year) Skipley Spot of Gold

Melissa, I'm sorry for not earlier seeing your post, I really do appreciate you having taken the time to make those recommendations, I will definitely be researching each and everyone of them!

Please folks, do feel free to also tell me of your favorites!!

Karma Bon Bini as of today continues to be loaded in bloom!

For tons of blooms, the singles that I planted from seed are amazing!! Even without deadheading they keep going and started early. Still I would consider them more "garden color" than special and I'll leave them in the ground over winter, if they come back, they come back, if they don't they don't.

It seems from my research on other dahlias that the Dutch bred are more of the garden size and lots of blooms, while the American are taller and blooms for cut flowers. I don't like the smell of dahlias so I am looking for lots of blooms and smaller plant size....wanted to get ones that were American bred, but they don't really fit my wants.

This may be a bit off-topic, but I would like to mention that a Northern California dahlia grower recently lost most of her stock (as well as her home!) in the late summer fires. She had some plants in another location and is selling them. Please help by supporting her through this difficult time! Her website is Julie's Dahlias.
~ Barbara in San Francisco

Somehow I missed this thread, sorry.

Among my best are Akita, Vancouver, and Bahama Mama.