Nothing says summer quite like a garden brimming with dazzling dahlias! Growing these vibrant flowers from seed is an exciting way to add beautiful pops of color to your outdoor space.
If youve always wanted to learn how to grow dahlias from seed, this guide will provide you with the simple tips you need to get started.
Well explore what dahlias are and what supplies are needed to get growing, as well as how to start seeds indoors, transplant seedlings outdoors, care for dahlias in the garden, prevent pests and diseases, and finally, how to harvest the blooms.
So lets get started and grow some stunning dahlias!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
To grow dahlia from seed, you should first prepare the soil by mixing in some compost and loosening it up.
Then, sow the dahlia seeds in the soil, and cover lightly.
Keep the soil moist and in a warm spot, and the seeds should begin to germinate within a few weeks.
Finally, thin out the seedlings as they grow, so there is a spacing of about 10 inches between them.
What Are Dahlias?
Dahlias are a spectacular flowering plant native to Mexico and Central America that are popular for their beauty and versatility.
With its bright, vibrant colors, its no wonder why theyre a favorite of gardeners everywhere.
The blooms come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small pom pom varieties to huge dinner plate size blooms.
Depending on the variety, dahlias can bloom from late summer to the first frost.
Theyre also long-lasting cut flowers, making them a great addition to any home or garden.
In addition to their beauty, dahlias are also easy to grow from seed, which makes them even more appealing.
What You’ll Need To Grow Dahlias From Seed
Growing dahlias from seed is a rewarding and relatively easy process that can give you a beautiful display of dahlias in your garden. To get started, you’ll need to gather a few basic supplies:
-A seed-starting mix: This should be a soilless mix that is light and fluffy, allowing the young dahlia seedlings to easily push through the soil.
-A planting container: Any shallow container will do, as long as it has several drainage holes at the bottom.
-Dahlia seeds: You can find dahlia seeds online or at your local garden center.
-Water: You’ll need to keep the soil moist as the dahlia seedlings are growing.
-A warm, sunny spot: Dahlias need plenty of sun in order to thrive, so choose a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Once you have all of your supplies, you’re ready to start planting!
Starting Dahlia Seeds Indoors
When it comes to growing dahlia from seed, the first step is starting your seeds indoors.
The best time to start your dahlia seeds is around six to eight weeks before the last expected frost in your area.
This gives the seedlings time to get a good start before they are transplanted outdoors.
To start dahlia seeds indoors, you will need a container filled with a seed starting mix and shallowly covered with soil.
Place the container in a warm, sunny spot and keep the soil moist.
Once the seedlings have sprouted, you can transplant them outdoors.
When planting your dahlia seeds indoors, make sure to use a light, fluffy seed starting mix.
This will help ensure that the seeds have enough air to germinate and that the seedlings have enough space to grow.
You dont need to cover the seeds more than a quarter of an inch deep; just enough to keep them in place.
Place the container in a spot that receives plenty of sunlight and that is warm enough to encourage germination.
Once the seeds have sprouted, you can move the container to a spot that receives less direct sunlight to prevent the seedlings from getting too much sun.
Make sure to keep the soil moist while the seeds are germinating and the seedlings are growing.
Once the seedlings have reached a few inches tall, they can be transplanted outdoors.
Make sure to choose a spot that receives full sunlight and has well-draining soil.
Plant the seedlings about a foot apart and water them regularly.
With a little care, your dahlia plants will soon produce beautiful blooms.
Transplanting Dahlia Seedlings Outdoors
When it comes to transplanting dahlia seedlings outdoors, it’s important to ensure that the conditions are right.
Start by selecting a sunny spot in your garden that has well-draining soil.
Before planting, dig a hole for each seedling that is twice as wide and just as deep as the original container.
To ensure good aeration, add some compost or organic matter to the hole and mix it in with the soil.
Place the seedling in the hole and fill the hole with soil, tamping it down gently to remove air pockets.
Water the newly transplanted seedlings immediately after planting and continue to water regularly.
Once the seedlings have been planted, it’s important to provide them with some support.
As the plants grow, they will become top-heavy and could topple over.
To prevent this, provide them with some support such as a stake or trellis.
This will help to keep the plants upright and will also provide additional support for the flowers.
Finally, it’s a good idea to mulch the soil around the dahlias.
This will help to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil temperature more consistent.
Be sure to use an organic mulch such as straw, wood chips, or shredded bark.
With a little care and attention, you can enjoy a beautiful display of dahlias in your garden.
With proper planting, support, and mulching, you can be sure to enjoy a beautiful display of dahlias for many years to come.
Caring For Dahlias In The Garden
Once your dahlias have settled into their new home in your garden, proper care is essential to ensure your plants stay healthy and happy.
To start, make sure your dahlias are planted in a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
Dahlias need plenty of sun to thrive, so make sure to choose a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Proper drainage is also key, as dahlias dont like to be in standing water.
Water your dahlias regularly, especially during dry spells.
When watering, make sure to give the plants a deep soak so the soil stays moist and the roots can absorb the moisture.
Avoid wetting the foliage, as this can cause fungal diseases.
In addition to watering, you may also need to fertilize your dahlias.
A balanced fertilizer with an NPK (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) ratio of 10-10-10 is generally recommended for dahlias.
Fertilize once a month during the growing season.
To keep your dahlias healthy, you should also remove any dead or dying blooms.
This will help prevent the plant from wasting energy on dead flowers and encourage it to produce more blooms.
Additionally, the foliage should be kept free of debris and weeds to ensure the plant is receiving the necessary nutrients.
Finally, you should mulch the soil around your dahlias.
This will help the soil retain moisture and prevent weeds from taking over.
A 2-4 inch layer of mulch should be sufficient.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure your dahlias stay healthy and look beautiful all season long.
With a little care and dedication, you can enjoy a stunning display of dahlias in your garden for many years to come.
Pests And Diseases To Watch Out For
When it comes to growing dahlias from seed, it is important to be aware of potential pests and diseases that can affect the plants.
Common pests that can affect dahlias include aphids, caterpillars, and spider mites.
These pests can be controlled by regularly spraying the plants with a pesticide or using natural methods such as introducing beneficial insects to the garden.
Diseases that can affect dahlias include powdery mildew and root rot.
To prevent diseases, it is important to make sure the plants are not overcrowded and that the soil is well-draining.
Additionally, it is also important to remove any infected plants from the garden to prevent the spread of disease.
Harvesting Dahlia Blooms
Once youve planted your dahlia seeds and theyve sprouted, it wont be long before youll be able to enjoy the beautiful blooms.
To ensure that your dahlias are flowering at their best, its important to harvest the blooms regularly.
This will also help to increase the number of blooms youll be able to enjoy.
When harvesting dahlia blooms, you should use a sharp pair of scissors or garden shears to snip off the flower stem just below the bloom.
This will encourage the plant to produce more flowers as it will focus its energy on producing other blooms.
Its important to note that some dahlias, such as cactus dahlias, have spiny petals and are best harvested with a pair of gloves.
When harvesting, its important to avoid removing any leaves from the plant as this can weaken it.
After youve harvested the blooms, its important to remove any withered or dead flowers from the plant to prevent it from wasting energy on them.
Harvesting dahlia blooms regularly is a great way to ensure that youre able to enjoy a beautiful display of dahlias in your garden.
With a little care and attention, youll be able to enjoy a stunning display of dahlias in your garden for many months to come!
Final Thoughts
Growing dahlia from seed is a rewarding experience that will leave you with a beautiful display of dahlias in your garden.
With the right care and attention, you can enjoy these flowers for months to come.
Now that you have the tips and tricks to help you get started, why not give it a try today? With a little patience, youll be well on your way to a gorgeous dahlia garden.