Everything you need to know about Dahlia Seeds

Dahlia Seeds Questions & Answers

Can dahlias be grown from seeds?
Yes, dahlias can definitely be grown from seeds! Growing dahlias from seed rather than planting tubers gives a few advantages (larger selection of dahlia varieties), seeds are cheaper than tubers and lastly growing dahlias from seed to bloom gives the sense of accomplishment of seeing the well-cared for plants finally bloom. You will need to start the seeds indoors pretty early (6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area) so that the seeds will have time to grow and bloom before fall.

Can I collect seeds from dahlias?
Yes you can collect seeds from dahlias. Bear in mind though that dahlias grown from self-collected seed might not be identical to the parent plant. Also, not all dahlias reliably go to seed. Single-flowered dahlias tend to be better seed producers than fully double-flowered varieties as the densely packed petals can prevent proper pollination and seed development.

Are dahlias self seeding?
Dahlias are not typically considered to be self-seeding. Not all varieties reliably produce seeds, and when they do, they might not produce plants that are true to the characteristics of the parent plant. However, it is possible that in some cases if dahlias are left to produce seeds and those seeds fall to the ground, with favorable conditions they might germinate and grow.

How do you direct sow dahlia seeds?
You can indeed direct sow dahlia seeds. Be sure to wait until the last frost date in your area has passed and that soil temperatures have reached ideally around 21-24°C.  However, dahlias take 60-120 days from seed to flower so make sure that your climate conditions give you enough time to come to bloom before the next winter season starts.

How fast do dahlias grow from seed?
Growing dahlias from seed requires a bit of patience! Dahlia seeds take 7-21 days to germinate and 60-120 days to flower. We recommend starting your dahlia seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date so you can give them some extra time to grow before the following winter.

Do dahlias come back every year?
In warm climates and Mediterranean regions, dahlias are perennials and will naturally return year after year. In cooler climates dahlias are tender perennials and won't survive freezing temperatures. You will have to dig them up and store them indoors over winter.

How do you know if dahlia seeds are viable?
To determine if dahlia seeds (or any other seeds for that matter) are viable, you can perform a simple germination test. Place a few seeds between moist paper towels and place in a plastic bag. Keep the bag in a warm location, until the seeds germinate, usually within 7-21 days. Viable seeds will sprout and produce seedlings and non-viable will not.

Will dahlia cuttings produce tubers?
Yes, dahlia cuttings will produce tubers. Take a cutting from your dahlia plant, trim off the lower leaves, dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone powder (not essential) and place in soil. Keep in a warm environment with moderate humidity until a new root system is established.

Do dahlias only flower once?
No, dahlias are known for their ability to produce multiple blooms throughout the growing season. With proper care and maintenance, dahlias can continue to flower repeatedly from summer into fall.

Do dahlias need full sun?
Yes, dahlias thrive in full sun. They need a minimum of 6-8hrs of direct sunlight per day to ensure robust plant development and abundant blooming.

Do dahlias multiply on their own?
No, dahlias do not multiply on their own like some plants do through spreading or self-seeding. Instead, they propagate primarily through division of tubers or by taking cuttings.

What month do dahlia seed germinate?
Dahlia seeds typically germinate in late winter or early spring when the soil temperature is consistently above 15°C. This usually occurs around March or April in many regions but depends on local climate conditions.

Are dahlias hard to grow?
Dahlias are generally easy to grow! Just provide them with their necessary conditions (well-draining soil, regular watering and lots of direct sunlight) and you will be rewarded with loads of beautiful flowers.

Can I grow dahlias indoors?
Technically yes, dahlias can be grown indoors, but they are better suited for outdoor cultivation due to their preference for full sun and the need for adequate space (plants can get quite large). However, you can start your dahlias indoors in pots several weeks before the last frost date to give them a head start on the growing season. 

Can you grow dahlias in pots?
Yes, dahlias are well suited to being grown in pots and planters. Choose a container at least 30cm in diameter with drainage holes and fill with a good draining potting soil. Note that dahlias grown in pots may require more frequent watering compared to those planted in the ground.

How do you make dahlias grow faster?
To encourage faster growth in dahlias, provide them with optimum conditions. Give them lots of direct sunlight, well-draining soil, water regularly, mulch to help them maintain moisture and warm temperatures. Also you can start your dahlia seeds indoors to get a head start on the growing season.

Can I leave dahlias in the ground over winter?
In regions with mild winters where the soil doesn't freeze, you can leave dahlias in the ground over winter. However, in areas with freezing temperatures, it's best to lift the tubers and store them indoors during the winter months.

Do dahlias spread?
No, dahlias do not spread in the same way that ground-covering plants or some perennials do. They grow from seeds or cuttings or tubers. While they can multiply over time as the tubers produce new shoots, they typically don't spread aggressively in the garden.