Genova

Therapy of Flowers credits Genova to Dutch breeder Kees Nelis, though no source we found dates its introduction. Its rise has been quick by dahlia standards. Floret says it has quickly risen to the top of the Floret Favorites list, which functions as a national demand signal in this market, and the sellouts followed on cue at Dahlias by the Sea and Fleur Farm. Lavender balls are scarce in commerce compared with white and burgundy, so a good one with strong stems had an open lane. Bulk Dutch suppliers do list it, which keeps the squeeze seasonal rather than absolute.

Genova is a small ball, with blooms of 8 to 10 centimeters, about 3 to 4 inches, on plants of 90 to 110 centimeters per Therapy of Flowers, who note strong stems and long-lasting blooms from midsummer to frost. Some farms sell it as a miniature ball; it sits right at the boundary, and we found no ADS code to settle it. Culture is standard ball-dahlia fare: pinch once, net, cut hard and often. Cool weather deepens the plum dip on the petal tips, so the prettiest stems often come in September. Rock Run Ashley delivers the same petite ball charm in warm nude pink but is far harder to buy, and Burlesca trades the lavender for antique apricot-plum.