Easy dahlias from seed

[Squash64]

I grew these dahlias from seed this year.  The plants are about 4ft tall and full of flowers.

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[Squash64]

[shirlton]

I am going to give them atry next year Betty. They look really good

[greenstar]

Ooh, I want to grow dahlias next year - I've nabbed a bit of the plot for a cutting bed.  Where did you get the seeds and when did you sow them?

[lavenderlux]

You will sometimes get seeds from your own Dahlia flowers - the really big flowered ones don't seem to have much seed - or any - but ones like Bishop of Llandorf and similar have lots.  Have tried seeds from these in the past with good results. 

[terrier]

I've not tried saving my own seed from Dahlias, but shop bought bedding Dahlias are really easy from seed and give a lovely show. My Bishops are just coming into flower now so I'll look out for seed and have a go next year.

[Duke Ellington]

I bought some Dahlia seeds from Wyvale for 50p per pack in their sale. I am looking forward to sowing them next year!

Duke :D

[Squash64]

Ooh, I want to grow dahlias next year - I've nabbed a bit of the plot for a cutting bed.  Where did you get the seeds and when did you sow them?

I got them from Kings, they are the Cactus variety and I still have half a packet left.

http://kings45.theitbridge.net/kolist/1/FLOWERS/F-D/DAHLIA

Our allotments run the Kings seeds scheme which meant they were only 65p.  I sowed them at the beginning of March in a heated greenhouse but this was much too early.  They grew so well, and needed potting on too often and I almost ran out of space before I could put them outside. Next year I'll sow them in April.

[greenstar]

Brilliant, thanks Squash, I'll have to see what I can find in the sales!

[budgiebreeder]

I just collect the dead seed heads from my own grown ones and store in a paper bag.I seem to get xlent resuls and  have more plants than  enough  for all the whole  family.

[Squash64]

I just collect the dead seed heads from my own grown ones and store in a paper bag.I seem to get xlent resuls and  have more plants than  enough  for all the whole  family.

That's a good idea!  Do the plants you grow look anything like their 'parent'?

[Squash64]

Just to show how varied the flowers are from one packet of seed -

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They look a bit strange but I'm getting used to them.

[Poppy Mole]

i bought a 50p packet from Wyevale last year - due to lack of rain & attention very poor looking plants, went on holiday for 2 weeks & came home to a wonderful display of flowers, the plants had grown almost 2 feet in that time as well.

[PurpleHeather]

I usually get a pack of mixed dwarf ones, the flowers are just as lovely as the taller variety and they only grow up to two or three feet at the most.

I can not recall if it is Aldi, Netto or Lidl but they are not expensive, coppers.

Now is the perfect time to collect seeds (they are nice and big) and seem to grow easily. Sow them anytime in Spring, but don't plant outside until the frost has gone.

Some people dig up the corms, dry them and keep dry in sawdust in a warm place over winter and then re-plant the following year, they are perenial but the conditions have to be right.

[Digeroo]

I grew Bishops children last year and had quite a show.  Several have come up as weeds this year.  Aslo got a 50p packet from you know where and looking forward to them next year.  I think they are really easy from seed.

Though I have also fallen in love with one on someone else's allotment.  It looks like the colour of glacier ice:  white with a blueish tinge in the centre so I might splash out on a tuber as well.  They are very good at dead heading so I do not look like being able to beg a seed or two though I think the chances of getting something so pretty from seed are rather slim.