Collection: Dahlia Seeds

Dahlia seeds are available to purchase at the Village at Black Creek this spring! The proceeds go to help support the running of the museum.

Dahlia seeds are like a box of chocolate. You never know what you are going to get! In the simplest terms, dahlias have 8 pairs of genes that results in a huge diversity of forms and colours. Each plant is a new, distinct variety that is unique. Seeds were collected from Dear Alexander, the flower pictured on your seed package. Pollen parent is unknown.

Each seed should produce a tuber clump that can be lifted and stored over the winter. For more information on that, please look at the tuber storage and dividing page.

Dahlia seeds are best started around 6 weeks before last frost and planted out after all chance of frost has ended. Dahlia seeds can take from 3 days to 30 days to sprout, the longer it takes, the more likely you are to get double flowers. Dahlia seeds also typically have low germination rates.

Dahlias seeds are cold sensitive, so it is best to start them in a warm environment between 18 and 21 degrees Celcius and avoid planting them out until the soil is warm enough. Use moistened high quality seed starting soil to start your seeds, and press your seeds in gently into the soil. Once sprouted, seeds need to be under grow lights for 15-16 hours a day until planted out, otherwise they will get leggy and not thrive. 

Once the weather is warm enough, don't forget to harden your baby plants off! Gradual exposure to the harsh sun is necessary, to avoid shocking your plants. Dahlias should start blooming July until October. Each flower will be unique to you!