Flowering performance: Dahlia’s grown from seed or tubers will both result in a flowering plant in the first year. However, there are some differences in the flowering performance between dahlias grown from bulbs and those grown from seeds.
When it comes to dahlias grown from bulbs, also known as tubers, they have the advantage of storing more energy compared to seeds. This extra energy allows the tubers to produce stronger and more vigorous plants, resulting in longer and better flowering in the first year.
I have personally experienced this difference in flowering performance between dahlias grown from tubers and seeds. In my garden, I planted both tubers and seeds of the same dahlia variety. While both plants eventually bloomed, the ones grown from tubers produced more abundant and larger flowers compared to the ones grown from seeds.
One possible reason for this difference is that tubers already have a head start in terms of energy reserves. They store nutrients and carbohydrates from the previous growing season, providing a boost to the plants as they emerge and start growing. This extra energy allows the tubers to develop stronger stems, more branches, and ultimately, more flowers.
On the other hand, dahlias grown from seeds have to rely solely on their own energy reserves, which may not be as plentiful as those stored in tubers. As a result, the plants may take longer to establish themselves and may not reach their full flowering potential in the first year. However, with proper care and maintenance, these seed-grown dahlias can still produce beautiful blooms.
It is worth noting that the difference in flowering performance between tuber-grown and seed-grown dahlias may not be as noticeable in subsequent years. Once established, both types of dahlias can thrive and produce abundant flowers, provided they receive adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients.
While dahlias grown from both tubers and seeds will bloom in the first year, tuber-grown dahlias are more likely to exhibit longer and better flowering performance due to their higher energy reserves. However, with proper care, seed-grown dahlias can still produce beautiful blooms and catch up in subsequent years.
