Growing dahlias from seed can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for gardeners. While it may not be as common as growing dahlias from tubers, it is definitely possible with a little bit of knowledge and effort. In terms of difficulty, I would say that raising dahlias from seed is not overly challenging, but it does require some specific conditions and care.
One of the key factors to keep in mind when growing dahlias from seed is the need for a fairly high temperature for germination. Dahlias prefer warm soil temperatures of around 70°F (21°C) for successful seed germination. Therefore, it is important to provide a warm and consistent environment for the seeds to sprout. This can be achieved by using a seedling heat mat or placing the seed trays in a warm location, such as a greenhouse or a sunny windowsill.
Once the seeds have germinated, it is crucial to protect the young seedlings from frost until they are ready to be planted out. Dahlias are sensitive to frost and can be easily damaged or killed by cold temperatures. Therefore, it is necessary to provide frost protection by either keeping the seedlings indoors or using protective coverings like cloches or row covers if planting them outside.
In terms of care, dahlias grown from seed require similar attention as those grown from tubers. They need regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. It is also important to provide them with adequate sunlight, ideally at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. If growing them indoors, using artificial grow lights can help supplement natural light.
As the seedlings grow, it is important to thin them out to ensure proper spacing and airflow. This will help prevent issues such as overcrowding, disease, and competition for resources. Thinning can be done by carefully removing the weaker seedlings, leaving only the strongest ones to grow.
As with any plant, dahlias from seed will benefit from regular fertilization. Using a balanced fertilizer or a slow-release granular fertilizer can provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. Following the instructions on the fertilizer packaging and avoiding over-fertilization is important to prevent burning or damaging the plants.
When the seedlings have reached a suitable size and the threat of frost has passed, they can be transplanted into their permanent growing location. This could be in containers or in the garden beds, depending on your preference and available space. Dahlias prefer well-draining soil and should be planted at the same depth as they were in the seed tray.
It is worth mentioning that growing dahlias from seed may result in some variation in flower color and form. This can be an exciting aspect for gardeners who enjoy the surprise of seeing what unique blooms they will get. However, if you have specific preferences for certain colors or forms, it may be more reliable to grow dahlias from tubers, which will produce exact replicas of the parent plant.
In my personal experience, I have successfully grown dahlias from seed and found it to be a rewarding process. The joy of seeing the tiny seedlings sprout and develop into beautiful flowering plants is truly satisfying. While there may be some challenges along the way, with proper care and attention, anyone can grow dahlias from seed and enjoy their vibrant blooms in the garden.
