Disbudding is not essential to grow dahlias with fine blooms. In fact, if a dahlia plant is not disbudded it will produce many more blossoms than a plant that is disbudded.

Disbudding, in addition to topping, is done in order to produce larger and fuller blossoms. Disbudding directs most of the energy saved, by removing some buds, to the remaining bud causing it to grow larger in diameter and in depth. Disbudding does not affect the form or color of the blooms.

Disbud Carefully
Disbudding should be carefully done so as to leave a clean break level with the surface of the angle between the lateral stem and the leaf stem.

For most dahlia competitions the two leaves being touched by the pointers must be kept on the stem in good condition and the spots left where the buds were removed should be as inconspicuous as possible. In competition, points are taken off for unsightly scars where buds have been removed.