Growing dahlias from Seed

Have you ever grown dahlias from seed?

If you’ve ever admired the bold, beautiful blooms of dahlias, you’re not alone! These vibrant flowers come in a stunning array of colors, shapes, and sizes, making them a favorite among gardeners. While many gardeners start with tubers to grow dahlias, starting them from seed can be a rewarding (and cost-effective) way to grow a variety of dahlias in your garden. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about growing dahlias from seed, from sowing the seeds to enjoying your stunning flowers.

Why Grow Dahlias from Seed?

Dahlias grown from seed can offer exciting surprises! Unlike tubers, which produce flowers that are clones of the parent plant, seeds will produce plants that can vary in color, shape, and size. This means that growing dahlias from seed is a great way to experiment with new varieties and find unique blooms you may not find in the garden center.

Additionally, growing from seed is an affordable way to start your dahlia collection, as seeds are often much cheaper than buying tubers. And, with a little care, you’ll have a garden full of colorful blooms throughout the summer and into the fall.

When to Start Dahlias from Seed

Dahlias are sensitive to frost, so it's best to start them indoors a few weeks before the last expected frost in your area. This gives your seeds a head start, ensuring that they’ll be ready to go outside when the weather warms up. In most regions, you can start your seeds indoors in early to mid-spring, about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.