Dahlias are a stunning addition to any garden, with their vibrant colors and intricate blooms. While they can be purchased as established plants, growing them from seed is a rewarding experience that allows you to hand-select your favorite varieties and witness the full growth cycle of these beautiful flowers.
However, if you’re new to gardening or have never grown dahlias from seed before, the process can seem daunting. Fear not, as this step-by-step guide will provide you with all the information you need to successfully grow dahlias from seed and enjoy their dazzling display in your garden.
To Grow Dahlias From Seed
Growing dahlias from seed is an exciting and rewarding process. Dahlias are beautiful and unique flowers that come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.
From single blooms to double blooms, these flowers can add beauty to any garden. Growing them from seed is a great way to get the most out of your flower garden.
Purchase Dahlia Seeds From A Reputable Source
To grow dahlias from seed, you must carefully select a reputable source to purchase your dahlia seeds. When selecting a source, always look for variety and check for reviews that vouch for the quality of the seeds.
You can purchase dahlia seeds either online or in garden stores, but be sure to research each option thoroughly. It is also important to make sure the seed packet is labeled with information about the type of dahlia, such as its color and size, as well as bloom time and other details.
Once you have acquired your seeds, it is time to plant them in a nutrient-rich soil mix. Be sure to use a germination tray or container that will allow adequate drainage and moisture retention; it’s also best to use an organic potting soil mixture instead of garden soil.
Plant two to three of your seeds per pot at a depth of approximately one-half inch and lightly water them on a daily basis until they germinate – this should take about 7-14 days depending on the variety.
Once germinated, thin out any weaker seedlings and only keep those that are most successful; this may require transplanting into larger containers if necessary.
Keep the soil moist but not sodden by watering regularly when needed and fertilizing once every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer appropriate for flowering plants. With these steps in mind, you should have healthy blooming dahlia plants in no time.
Fill A Seed Tray Or Pots With Seed Compost And Water It Well
To grow dahlias from seed, it is important to start with good-quality seed compost. Seed compost should be light and airy, allowing for plenty of aeration and drainage. Before adding the compost to the seed tray or pots, make sure to soak it thoroughly in water.
Once the seed compost is wet and ready to use, fill the container up to three-quarters full with damp soil. Then firm it down gently but firmly using a trowel or your hands.
Make sure to water the soil well afterward as this will help ensure that all of the seeds receive an even amount of moisture for germination.
To speed up the process, you can also cover each container with a plastic bag or sheet of glass this will retain heat and moisture and encourage quicker germination times. Once all of your containers are filled and watered, it’s time to sow your dahlia seeds.
Scatter them over the surface of each tray and then cover them lightly with a thin layer of fine soil before watering them in gently. Place your filled containers in a warm spot out of direct sunlight and keep an eye on them every day until you see signs that they have started to germinate.
Sow The Seeds On The Surface Of The Compost And Cover Them Lightly With Vermiculite Or Compost
Sow the seeds on the surface of the prepared compost and cover them lightly with a thin layer of either vermiculite or additional compost. Vermiculite is a great soil amendment for providing additional aeration and moisture retention for small seedlings.
Make sure to sprinkle the seeds evenly over the surface of the compost and cover them lightly to ensure that they have enough space to become established. After sowing, give them a light misting of water and place them in a warm, sunny location.
If you are growing indoors, be sure to provide plenty of light and keep temperatures between 65-75 degrees F (18-24 degrees C) throughout the germination period.
Keep an eye out for signs of germination which can vary depending on the variety but generally takes approximately two weeks.
Once your dahlia shoots appear, thin out weaker seedlings and transplant them into individual pots filled with well-draining potting soil. Water regularly as needed until they reach sufficient size for planting outside in late spring or early summer when all danger of frost has passed.
Place The Tray Or Pots In A Propagator Or Cover Them With A Plastic Bag To Create A Humid Environment
To grow dahlias from seeds, it is important to provide an environment with high humidity levels. To achieve this, you can place the tray or pots in a propagator or cover them with a plastic bag.
When using a propagator, make sure it is kept at room temperature and not exposed to direct sunlight. This will help create the ideal warm and humid conditions for the seeds to grow successfully.
If you are using plastic bags, ensure they are not too tightly sealed as this could cause condensation and present problems such as fungal growth which can be damaging to the seeds.
By providing adequate humidity and warmth, your dahlia seeds should germinate within about two weeks. However, it is also important to check them daily for signs of germination so that if necessary adjustments can be made.
Keep an eye out for any pests or diseases and take appropriate action if necessary by providing adequate pest control treatments or removing affected plants.
Once seedlings have formed one true leaf pair, they are ready to be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden bed.
Keep The Compost Moist But Not Waterlogged
Water the compost regularly to keep it moist but not overly saturated. Make sure to check the moisture level with your finger or a moisture meter before watering to prevent over-watering and root rot.
Be sure to water at the base of the plant, avoiding getting water on the leaves and stem of the plant as this can cause fungal diseases.
If you are using a container without drainage holes, be extra careful when watering as too much moisture can quickly cause root disease if left unchecked. If you are growing outdoors in the soil, supplement rainfall with occasional light watering during dry spells.
When The Seedlings Are Large Enough To Handle, Transplant Them Into Individual Pots
When the seedlings are large enough to handle, they should be carefully transplanted into individual pots filled with light and well-draining potting soil.
The pots should be deep enough for the roots to spread out and should provide plenty of drainage holes for excess water to escape. Be sure to keep the soil damp but not soggy during this process as overly wet soil can cause the roots to rot.
Once transplanted, it’s important to provide adequate sunlight for your seedlings at least 5-6 hours per day – and keep them in an area with temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
It’s beneficial to fertilize every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 throughout their growth cycle. With proper care and maintenance, these dahlia seedlings should thrive and produce beautiful flowers in no time.
When All Risk Of Frost Has Passed, Plant The Dahlias In The Garden Or In Large Pots. Choose A Sunny Spot With Well-Draining Soil
When all risk of frost has passed and temperatures begin to rise in the spring, it is time to plant your dahlia seeds outdoors. When selecting a spot for planting, look for a location that receives plenty of sunshine each day and has well-draining soil.
If you are planting in a garden bed, make sure that the area is free of weeds and any other debris. If you are planting in containers or pots, choose ones with good drainage holes at the bottom so excess water can escape.
Plant the dahlia seeds either directly into the ground or in individual pots filled with a lightweight potting soil mix and place them in an area where they will get direct sunlight for six to eight hours each day.
Make sure that seedlings have enough space between them as they develop approximately three inches should suffice as overcrowding can stunt their growth. Once planted, give them a thorough watering and you’ll soon see your dahlia flowers blooming.
Water The Dahlias Regularly, Especially During Dry Spells, And Deadhead Them To Encourage More Blooms
To ensure your dahlias stay healthy and put on a beautiful show, water them regularly. Depending on the climate where you live, you may need to water your dahlias once or twice a week.
If there is little rainfall or unusually dry spells in your area, then you’ll need to increase how often you water them.
Make sure that the soil is evenly moist but not soggy. Too much water can cause root rot and make it more difficult for your plants to absorb the nutrients they need.
Deadheading your dahlias is also important for encouraging more blooms throughout the season. When you remove spent flowers from the plant, it sends out signals to create new buds so it can continue flowering.
Unlike other flowers, deadheading dahlias require that you cut off part of the stem with each bloom instead of just plucking off the flower itself. This will help ensure that every new bud produces an abundant amount of blooms.
In The Fall, Dig Up The Tubers And Store Them In A Cool, Dry Place Over The Winter. In The Spring, Replant The Tubers And Start The Process Over Again
To grow dahlias from seed, it is important to understand the different stages of the process. In autumn, when the flowers have finished blooming and the foliage has died back, it’s time to dig up the tubers, which are located at the base of the plant.
Using a garden fork or trowel, carefully dig around each tuber and lift them out of the soil. Once they’ve been extracted, brush off any excess dirt before storing them in a cool, dry place such as an unheated garage or basement.
The temperature should be between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit with low humidity. To protect the tubers from rodents or other pests during storage, wrap them in newspaper or burlap before placing them in a cardboard box or plastic container.
When spring arrives, you can replant your dahlia tubers in their original positions or in new locations depending on your preference. Before planting, inspect each tuber for signs of rot and discard any that appear damaged beyond repair.
Planting depth should be two to four inches below ground level and keep them spaced 12 to 18 inches apart.
Water lightly after planting and continue to water throughout spring and summer for optimal growth.
For best results, feed with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks until flowering begins.
After flowering has finished for the season, allow the foliage to die back before digging up and storing your dahlias as described above. With proper care each year you can expect healthy plants with plenty of flowers come summertime.