FAQ

Germination Conditions · Temperature: Maintain a soil temperature between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C) for optimal germination. · Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Covering the containers with a clear plastic lid or placing them inside a propagator can help retain humidity. · Light: Place the containers in a location with bright, indirect light. Timeframe: Seeds typically germinate within 7 to 14 days under ideal conditions

To start dahlias from seed, sow them indoors 4 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Seeds germinate sporadically, so patience is key, as it can take up to two weeks for seedlings to emerge. Once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed, transplant the seedlings into the garden, spacing them appropriately to accommodate their mature size. With proper care, these seedlings will bloom in their first year, revealing their unique forms and colors.

**Soil & Planting**- Well-Draining Soil: Dahlias prefer rich, loamy soil with good drainage. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost and sand to improve aeration.- Optimal pH: Aim for a soil pH of 6.5-7.0.- Spacing: Give plants at least 12-18 inches of space for airflow and to prevent fungal diseases. **Watering**- Deep & Infrequent Watering: Water deeply 2-3 times a week rather than shallow daily watering. This encourages strong root systems.- Morning Watering: Always water in the morning to allow foliage to dry and prevent powdery mildew. **Fertilizing**- Low Nitrogen Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer like 10-30-20 to encourage blooms over excessive leafy growth.- Compost or Bone Meal: Mix organic matter into the soil before planting for added nutrients. **Pinching & Staking**- Pinch for Bushier Growth: When plants reach about 12 inches tall, pinch the top growth to encourage multiple stems.- Strong Staking: Use sturdy stakes or tomato cages early in the season to support tall varieties and prevent flopping. **Pest & Disease Control**- Prevent Powdery Mildew: Ensure good airflow, avoid overhead watering, and use a neem oil spray if needed.- Watch for Earwigs & Aphids: Apply diatomaceous earth or set out oil traps for earwigs; use insecticidal soap for aphids.- Slug & Snail Protection: Use copper tape, crushed eggshells, or organic slug bait to protect young plants. **Deadheading & Seed Production**- Deadhead Regularly: To encourage continuous blooms, remove spent flowers by cutting just above a leaf node.- Saving Seeds: Since you're working with open-pollinated dahlias, wait until seed heads dry and collect seeds for new hybrids. **Overwintering & Tubers**- Digging & Storing Tubers: After the first frost, cut stems down, dig up tubers, and store them in a cool, dry place.- Dividing Tubers: In spring, divide healthy tubers with at least one eye to increase your stock

Growing dahlias from seed is a rewarding endeavor that allows gardeners to explore the vast diversity of this beloved flower. Unlike tuber propagation, which produces clones of the parent plant, seed propagation results in each dahlia seedling being genetically unique due to cross-pollination. This means that the offspring can exhibit a wide array of characteristics, often differing significantly from their parent plants. Dahlias are renowned for their extensive variety of flower forms, each with distinct structures and aesthetics. Some of the most common forms include: Anemone: These dahlias feature a dense group of elongated tubular florets at the center, surrounded by one or more rings of flat ray petals. Cactus: Characterized by fully double blooms with narrow, pointed petals that roll back toward the stem, giving a spiky appearance. Collarette: These have a single row of flat ray petals with a collar of shorter petals (petaloids) around the central disc. Formal Decorative: Showcases fully double blooms with broad, flat petals that are evenly and symmetrically arranged. Laciniated: Notable for its fringed or split petal edges, creating a lacy effect. Novelty: Encompasses unique forms that don't fit into other categories, often with unusual petal shapes or arrangements. Double: Comprises multiple rows of petals without a visible central disc, resulting in a full, lush appearance. Stellar: Features blooms with narrow, pointed petals that curve inward, forming a star-like shape. Orchette: Combines characteristics of orchid and collarette forms, with a single row of petals and a prominent central disc surrounded by petaloids. Waterlily: Resembles waterlily flowers, with broad, slightly cupped petals arranged symmetrically around a central disc. Single: Consists of a single row of flat ray petals encircling a central disc, presenting a simple yet elegant look. When cultivating dahlias from seed, the resulting seedlings can exhibit any combination of these forms, leading to a garden filled with one-of-a-kind blooms. Gardeners can influence the outcome by selecting parent plants with desirable traits and allowing natural pollination.