If you’re looking to transform your garden into a vibrant paradise, dahlias are the must-have flowers to make that dream come true! With their stunning range of colors, shapes, and sizes, these blooms can instantly elevate your outdoor space.
But did you know that growing dahlias from seeds can lead to unexpected surprises? Since dahlia seeds aren’t true-to-type, the flowers you get may not match the ones you fell in love with.
That’s where the magic of tubers comes in – plant them once, and you’ll have a beautiful, reliable display year after year. My almost six years of growing dahlias have taught me some tried-and-true tips that work wonders for these flowers! Now, I’m excited to share them with you.
Ready to roll up your sleeves and dig in? These amazing growing tips will give you all the tools you need to grow a garden that not only catches the eye but wins hearts too.
#1 Dahlias Are the Must-Have Flowers For Your Garden
If you want your garden to shine, dahlias are the stars of the show. Their long-lasting blooms make them a perfect choice for anyone who wants a garden that shines from summer to fall. Plus, dahlias attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding even more life to your yard!
When it comes to planting dahlias, you have two main options: tubers and seeds. Tubers are the most reliable choice, guaranteeing that you’ll get the same beautiful flowers year after year. Once planted, they’ll grow into robust, blooming beauties.
On the other hand, growing from seed is less predictable – since dahlia seeds aren’t true-to-type, the flowers they produce may not match the parent plant!
#2 Why Dahlia Seeds Aren’t True-To-Type
Dahlias are beautiful hybrids, meaning they’re the result of cross-pollinating two different parent plants. This hybridization brings out a dazzling array of colors, shapes, and sizes, but it also means that dahlia seeds aren’t true-to-type.
So, if you plant seeds from a particular dahlia, the flowers you get may not resemble the parent plant at all. Instead, they could inherit traits from one or both parent plants, creating a whole new flower that’s completely different!
This genetic variation is what makes growing dahlias from seeds both exciting and unpredictable. You might end up with a flower that has a completely different color or shape than the one you had in mind.
While this can be fun for those who love surprises, it can also be a bit disappointing if you’re hoping for a specific type of bloom!
If you want to ensure your dahlias look exactly like the ones you love, planting tubers is the way to go. Tubers are clones of the parent plant, which means that every year, you’ll get the same stunning flower in your garden.
So, while seeds can be a fun experiment, they’re not the best way to get steady results!
#3 Growing Dahlias From Seed: A Game Of Garden Surprises
Growing dahlias from seed is like opening a garden treasure chest – you never know what gem you’ll find! Each seed is a wild card, ready to unfold into a flower all its own.
The fun of it all is in the unpredictability; your garden could turn into a stunning patchwork of unexpected colors, shapes, and petal patterns. You’re not just planting flowers – you’re creating something new with every seed you sow!
Once you’ve discovered a flower that’s too beautiful to part with, you can save its tuber for future seasons. After the plant has finished flowering and the foliage has withered, gently dig up the tuber and store it in a cool, dark place until the next growing season.
When it’s time to plant again, simply replant the tuber, and voilà – your favorite flower is back!
#4 Planting Tips For A Garden Full Of Dahlias You Should Follow
Just like any great adventure, your dahlia garden begins indoors with a handful of seeds! Plant your seeds six to eight weeks before the last frost date. Use small containers or seed trays with good drainage, and keep them in a warm, sunny spot where they can get plenty of light.
Dahlia seeds need warmth to sprout, so make sure the temperature stays between 65-75°F. Once your seedlings are strong enough and the danger of frost has passed, it’s time to bring them outdoors.
When transplanting dahlias outdoors, choose a well-drained, sunny spot – dahlias need a lot of sunlight to thrive! Space your plants at least eighteen inches apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation.
If you’re planting tubers, dig a hole six inches deep and plant them horizontally, making sure the “eyes” are facing upwards. Water thoroughly to encourage good root development.
Caring for your dahlias means providing consistent moisture, but be careful not to overwater them. Dahlias are heavy feeders, so it’s essential to add some compost or a balanced fertilizer to the soil during the growing season. Easy as pie, right?
Whether you’re playing the odds with seeds or sticking to the tried-and-true tubers, the dahlia journey is one full of color, surprises, and endless possibilities!