Growing Dahlias from seed, is it better than buying plants?

[@channad8188]

I'm a new gardener and I grow dahlia from seeds on my first year I'm so proud,and lucky cause I bought some from lidl and they weren't what it say on the pack!woke this morning to my first bloom from the seed planets so happy

[@DaveTheHillsideGardener]

Dahlia flowers are one of my faves. Good luck with your growing

[@greensage395]

I started a pack of seeds this year...most are in bloom now. I noticed that some do require a pinch to the central Growth, if they continue upward, but most branch and bush quite naturally without any pinching! Those I pinched I rooted the tops to make more! The colors and the shapes are so unique by seed! I would imagine that many factors will show themselves, as to which ones are hardy, which ones are mildew Resistant, which ones like the Full Sun! :) I am in the Desert SW, Zone 8a, and so I will not have to pull my tubers! Overall, I would say Dahlias are perfect at keeping the excitement going!

[@DaveTheHillsideGardener]

Yes when breeding new variety breeders have to select for more factors than just flowers. You are correct that genetic diversity will express different traits. You just will need to select for what works where you live. I'm "supposed" to dig my bulbs since they "won't" survive but the ones that have , have lived for 5+ years. Some did die but those that didn't have adapted to my garden and those are ones I like to work with for new variety.

[@tracycrider7778]

@@DaveTheHillsideGardenerthat’s awesome ❤ I thought I’d give it a go this year along with a “few” tubers😂😂😂❤

[@DaveTheHillsideGardener]

Definitely give it a shot from seed!

[@greensage395]

@@DaveTheHillsideGardener This year, I am dividing Tubers! LOL

[@mio.giardino]

I’ve started with dahlias this year, tubers and seed. Can’t wait! 🙂

[@DaveTheHillsideGardener]

Awesome Good luck to you this season

[@diane8511]

I've grown dahlias from seed. I found my germination rate was pretty low but still got lots of plants from the seed. Very fun project!

[@DaveTheHillsideGardener]

I think it depends more on if you’re using fresh seeds. I’ve bought packages and always have a low germination rate. If I collect my own fresh seeds I have about 75-80 percent. Also if you collect from hybrids or plants you purchased from big box store etc they typically have very poor germination

[@birdboy48]

Growing Dalias from seeds is a whole lot of fun, and folks can get attractive blooming plants the first year, and a lot of them too. But speaking as a flower hybridizer, folks should understand that named varieties are the result of growing hundreds of seeds, and the hybridizer selecting the one or two very best of them for naming and introduction. For those who can handle the expense, and are curious about what's out there, buying from specialty dahlia nurseries is the way to get ahold of these varieties. Having said that, growing from dahlia seed is something everyone should try, if only to see the variety of things one can get. Who knows, you may find superior things among your seedlings that you want to save and divide to grow the following year.

[@DaveTheHillsideGardener]

Yes I just like to see the variations that you get the next year when growing from seed. I've gotten some really nice ones and several weird combos like half striped and half not .. either way the bees like them

[@tracycrider7778]

I’m excited this is my first year trying a dahlia bed and growing seedlings as well. I’m so excited for the flowers! A bunch of varieties for the 🐝 ❤

[@davewhanger4388]

A very informative video, please keep on showing interesting projects

[@DaveTheHillsideGardener]

I will certainly keep posting videos . Thank you

[@Thankful_.]

I just planted Dahlia seeds inside-in cups of soil, for the first time. 👏🏽 I lightly watered then placed each cup under an indoor light. I’m so excited for growth! Thx for sharing your plant wisdom! Much appreciated! 🙂🌸

[@DaveTheHillsideGardener]

That's great news! All the best luck. Hopefully my video helped

[@Thankful_.]

@@DaveTheHillsideGardener It did! 🙂

[@davidpruitt3982]

Will be looking forward to this video. 👍🏻

[@LoanNguyen-js6zd]

i grew dahlias from seeds last year. they were easy to germinate indeed. I have a few seedlings this year too. It's just economically to grow from seeds for me. I admire special kinds of dahlias but they are expensive to buy tubers

[@DaveTheHillsideGardener]

Yes I enjoy the waiting to see what they will bloom like as they are always unique. I have had a few for a few years I really like.

[@lindasantini5618]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@DaveTheHillsideGardener]

You’re very welcome. Good luck

[@McDonaldPlantFarm]

Did you do an update or show the resulting blooms in another video?

[@DaveTheHillsideGardener]

I didn't as of yet. I'm waiting to see if any over winter this year and show results in summer ,,2022. Trying to breed cold tolerant dahlias

[@McDonaldPlantFarm]

@@DaveTheHillsideGardener but they did bloom? Wonderful!

[@DaveTheHillsideGardener]

Oh yes all of them did. Only 2 we're super unique. Fingers crossed they survive

[@Till0629]

When do you start your seeds indoors? I'm in Michigan zone 6b. Thank you, great video.

[@DaveTheHillsideGardener]

For you id go with april 1. And plant out around may15-20 depending on your last frost date

[@Till0629]

@@DaveTheHillsideGardener thanks so much

[@msdewdropinn]

Ur videos make me want to b a better gardener. I have a great subject planting spring bulbs paperwhite and peony's in pots...lol I'm serious. U look very nice in ur red shirt, it's ur color and now that ur hair has grown. Love you Dave'o

[@DaveTheHillsideGardener]

Thanks as always

[@tylerc7336]

It's awesome that every seed will be different the only problems is space, most people like myself don't have the room, but it's hard to decide which ones to keep because not all of them will produce a "perfect" flower some will be missing petals some will have weak stems etc.

[@DaveTheHillsideGardener]

Yes luckily I have the space to experiment and let some grow out and see how they turn out. At any rate it's good for the bees and other insects so it's not a total loss.

[@olsonlr]

Can you germinate seed immediately after harvesting?

[@DaveTheHillsideGardener]

Yes they will

[@oldchild527]

I just germinated some from a yellow one, It's the only dalia in the area so I expect them to be all yellow.... Or not?! Can the probability give another color?

[@DaveTheHillsideGardener]

I would guess most will be yellow and possible that some white may show through..

[@greensage395]

Please do an update and show the Colors you created! :)

[@DaveTheHillsideGardener]

I sure will

[@randc214]

Hi Dave! I started dahlias from seed winter 2023 and planted them outside in spring and was VERY successful. I have about 9 gorgeous blooming dahlias. My question is: have they developed tubers? Can I dig them up this fall/winter to replant come spring 2024? Thank you in advance!

[@DaveTheHillsideGardener]

Absolutely! They will be just fine to dig up and store. Actually that gives me an idea for a future video. Thanks!

[@randc214]

@@DaveTheHillsideGardener That’s great! I am terrified I’ll damage them they’ll be so small so an instructional video would be extremely helpful! Thanks again😊

[@reelhoss3715]

Where do you purchase your seeds?

[@DaveTheHillsideGardener]

I save most of my own now. Originally I just bought a pack of 50 seeds from Amazon and grew them out and kept the best ones I liked and gave a bunch away.

[@limvo1260]

Great video Dave. May I ask how long do you keep the seedlings under growth light and heat mat for? I read somewhere, you don’t need growth light until they have sprouted. Thanks

[@DaveTheHillsideGardener]

Usually until the first set of true leaves are growing then they should be strong enough to adapt. They will sprout without light true. I've also used the paper towel method and plastic bag method for germination as well. Good luck!!

[@limvo1260]

@@DaveTheHillsideGardener Thank you, Dave. I planted approximately 30 seeds, about half has sprouted under growth light and heat mat for approximately 12+ hours a day. I had the humidity dome on the entire time, today is the first time I am taking the dome off. I am hoping it's not too much of a shock to the system for them. Still hoping the remaining seeds will sprout soon. Thanks again.

[@DaveTheHillsideGardener]

Anytime

[@elvianegrete8425]

My dahlias look nothing like yours, mine are tall, thin and falling over, I have them in a seedling tray since May 4th, is this where my mistake was made? Should I have transplanted them and pinched them? Please help! 😩

[@DaveTheHillsideGardener]

It sounds like they may need better light. Usually a seeling will get tall and leggy if it's not getting enough sunlight. Try pinching it back, transplant it about an inch deeper than it is now and give it full sun and see if that helps. Sorry for your bad luck

[@elvianegrete8425]

@@DaveTheHillsideGardener Thank you so much! I'll definitely be doing this!

[@StacieShep]

Make sure to show us what the flower looks like once it blooms!

[@DaveTheHillsideGardener]

Yes of course I will this summer

[@elizabethr2908]

Another great video Dave! ❤️ I’m in growing zone 7A. What’s a good time to start Dahlia seeds indoors ? Also, can dahlia seeds be started by Winter sowing in milk jugs?

[@DaveTheHillsideGardener]

I have tried the winter sowing with success. I would do 4-5 weeks before last frost indoors. They are very cold sensitive so don't be in a rush to get them outdoors into cold soil

[@elizabethr2908]

Dave The Hillside Gardener , awesome! Thank you very much ! 🙂

[@edie5285]

How long did it take for your dahlia to grow that big?

[@DaveTheHillsideGardener]

About 45-50 days

[@garrettmineo]

My mama always said Dahlia seeds are like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get....

[@DaveTheHillsideGardener]

Love it. Thanks 👍

[@murphy22able]

It is a pity you did not get seeds from one of your own nice dahlias & show, it would be much more interesting to see what colour it would produce. May be next time.

[@DaveTheHillsideGardener]

I did grow some from my saved seeds I just never had the time this past year to make a video. I will definitely try to this upcoming season

[@LilacDaisy2]

No flowers were shown, if you were also watching to see results.

[@DaveTheHillsideGardener]

I have several other videos showcasing my dahlias in my garden which were from seed. Check those out for some results. Hope that helps

[@mrs.phillis7956]

Great video make sure to put my name on one send JuJu a link still have my book Everything Comes From A Seed

[@DaveTheHillsideGardener]

I hope they grow well